2021 General Election Voting Deadlines, Timeline In New Jersey

NEW JERSEY - While the 2021 general election cycle will look a lot different from last year, and more like pre-COVID years, there are still some changes, and deadlines, voters should be aware of. Namely, while last year the election was primarily vote-by-mail due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year will be primarily in-person—with a twist.

Earlier this year, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law an expansion of early-voting availability throughout New Jersey and it will change the way some people choose to cast their ballot.

How It Works

The bill develops an in-person early-voting procedure to allow people to cast votes beginning 10 days before a general election and ending the Sunday after an election, in specifically designated polling places.

Those who participate in early voting wouldn't be allowed to send a mail-in ballot or vote in-person on Election Day. Early voting would only be required for June primaries and November general elections. But under the law, cities and towns with May elections can adopt an early-voting period by passing a local ordinance.

New Jersey's new law requires each county to open three to seven polling places for early machine voting. For the upcoming November election, there would be nine days of early in-person voting, including two weekends.

"Implementing in-person early voting will take extraordinary effort and teamwork from our county clerks and election officials," said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. "I want to thank them in advance for the hours and energy they will dedicate to make in-person early voting a reality this year."

Murphy touted that New Jersey's new regulations create automatic voter registration, online registration, restored voting rights for people on probation and parole and an end to prison gerrymandering. New Jersey passed legislation last year to restore the voting rights of people on probation and parole.

"Automatic" registration doesn't mean the same in New Jersey as other locations. In Oregon, the policy means people automatically become enrolled to vote upon eligibility. But New Jersey requires people eligible to register on their own.

New Jersey adopted a form of "automatic" registration in 2018, allowing the Motor Vehicle Commission to automatically register eligible voters when they apply for a permit, license or ID card, unless the applicant declines registration.

By contrast, Murphy signed online voter registration into law last year.

As Murphy signed the bill, he also advocated for same-day voter registration and allowing 17-year-olds to vote "allowing 17-year-olds to register and vote in our primaries if they turn 18 by the General Election."

To register in New Jersey, you must be:

• A United States citizen
• At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached the age of 18
• A resident of the county for 30 days before the election
• A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States.
• The registrant must complete a Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form. Mail or deliver the Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form to the County Commissioner of Registration or Superintendent of Elections for your county.

You are not eligible to register to vote if:

• You are serving a sentence of Incarceration as a result of a conviction of an indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States.
• The registration deadline to vote in the next election is 21 days prior to the election day.

2021 General Election Timeline (Key Points)

Sept. 18

• Commencement of Mailing of Mail-In Ballots for General Election

Oct. 12

• Voter Registration Deadline for General Election

Oct. 20

• Mailing of Sample Ballots for General Election

Oct. 23 - Oct. 31

• Early Voting Period

Oct. 26

• Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election

Oct. 29

• Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters

Nov. 1 – by 3:00 p.m.

• Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election
• Publication of Challenge and Complaint Procedures for General Election by County Boards of Election

Nov. 2

• General Election: Polls Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the General Election
• Deadline for in Person Submission of General Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election

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