Mail Ballots Vs. Provisional In NJ: What Is The Difference?

NEW JERSEY - Ever since Governor Phil Murphy announced that the November election would be primarily vote-by-mail, there has been a flurry of concern.

And there has also been an uptick in confusion about the difference between voting by mail and using a provisional ballot.

Warren County Clerk Holly Mackey described the two like this:

Vote by Mail Ballots

These will say "Mail-In-Ballot" on the top and:

• Use one of the following options to deliver your VBM: county Clerk's Office, county Board of Elections, USPS mail, secure lockbox or polling location on Nov. 3.
• Your ballot will NOT be considered a provisional ballot.
• The delivery method of the Vote by Mail DOES NOT change the fact that it will be counted starting Oct. 24, as per legislation.

Provisional Ballots

• These can only be filled out at the polling location on Election Day, after completing the Affirmation Statement.
• The ballot will say "Provisional Ballot" at the top and will be counted starting Nov. 11, at the earliest.

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.

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