Electronic Voting and Polling Location Texting

With many polling locations in Monmouth County and throughout the state changing due to the massive impact of Hurricane Sandy, some residents are finding themselves a little confused.

The state of NJ is attempting to make things easier, by allowing residents to text 877877 with a full address, including town name and zip code, and a polling location will be texted back.

Voters in 30 Monmouth County municipalities have had changes to their polling locations, according to the Monmouth County Clerk.

In addition, the state is allowing residents who fled the state to vote electronically by email or fax with the following instructions:

• Use the internet to download the application. Go to the Monmouth County site at www.visitmonmouth.com, click on the County Clerks Office, and then click on the link for the application for the mail in ballot. Or go the state website at www.elections.nj.gov and click on the Vote By Mail box.
• Complete the application. In the box for a return address, enter the words “Hurricane Sandy.” You can then submit the completed application to the Monmouth County Clerk of Elections by email or fax. The email address is bsumick@co.monmouth.nj.us. The fax number is 732-409-4887.
• Upon receipt of the application, the Clerk of Elections will determine the authenticity of the ballot request by matching voter signatures. Once the voter is verified, the Clerk will either email or fax the ballot and the waiver of secrecy form back to the voter. If the application was e-mailed, the forms will be e-mailed. If the application was faxed, the forms will be faxed.
• The voter must then transmit the signed waiver of secrecy along with their voted ballot by fax or email for receipt to the Monmouth County Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 6.

The County Clerk urges residents who are able to vote in-person to do so, and reserve electronic voting for those who cannot get to the polls.