People Are Demanding Absentee Ballots. They Don't Exist In NJ

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - As the upcoming Nov. 3 election gets closer, Patch is continuing to post answers to many questions we have seen crop up since Gov. Phil Murphy declated it would bea primarily vote-by-mail election.

One recurring question is whether using an absentee ballot, traditionally used for soldiers and students abroad, would be safer to request. According to Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, people are getting "hooked" on semantics.

"Since 2009 New Jersey has not had 'absentee' ballots," Grossi said. "While there are some states who still do, the reason they are called an 'absentee' ballot is because a voter had to provide an acceptable reason why they were unable to vote in person at their polling location before the state would send them the mail-in ballot."

The changes in the process this year makes the request needless.

"So do not get hooked on semantics, because in New Jersey the old term of “absentee” ballot has been eliminated, and they are now called mail-in ballots or vote-by-mail ballot," Grossi said.

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

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