If you are mailing or presenting a vote by mail ballot on behalf of someone else, or plan to have someone deliver your ballot, please read this important notice (PDF) from Essex County.

By State law, any person serving as a ballot bearer may only submit up to three (3) mail-in ballots on behalf of other qualified voters for each election. Remember, only the voter can hand-deliver his/her own ballot to the polling location on Election Day.

Voters Needing Transportation to Drop Off a Ballot

Uber and Lyft have programs that offer rides to people wanting to drop off their ballots or who need to vote in person.

Watch: Voting by Mail in Essex County

Important Election Dates & Deadlines 

Party Affiliation Change

An affiliation change must be made at least 55 days prior to Primary Election date. Access the NJ State Political Party Affiliation Form (PDF).

Voter Registration

Voters must register at least 21 days before the Election date. A New Jersey resident who is at least 17 years of age may pre-register to vote, but cannot vote until reaching the age of 18.

Evening Registration

The Clerk’s office holds a nighttime voter registration until 9 p.m. on the 21st day before the election.

Vote by Mail Ballots (formerly known as Absentee Ballots)

An Application to Vote by Mail (PDF) must be received by the Essex County Clerk not less than 7 days before the Election by mail, or by 3 p.m. in person, the day before the Election. Only the person applying to Vote by Mail can pick up the ballot in person. In case of illness, a messenger can obtain a Vote by Mail ballot from the County Clerk’s office upon presentation of a request signed by the voter. Once a person applies for the Vote By Mail ballot, they cannot vote in person at the polls.