Author: CountyClerk

Dating Documents in 2020

Posted on by CountyClerk

As we enter a new year, I would like to address a concern regarding how documents are dated.

In previous years it was common practice to date documents using just the last two digits of the year, for example, 1/3/19.  As we are now in the year 2020, the use of just “20” allows a date to be easily modified which increases the risk of fraud and leaves a great deal open to interpretation as far as when a document was signed or any time frames that were intended.

In order to alleviate any such question or the possibility of pre or postdating documents, please ensure that all documents and forms are dated with the complete year as 2020 and not abbreviated.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact my office.  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Parrott,

Sussex County Clerk

Is Your Passport Up to Date?

Posted on by CountyClerk

passport-for-web4

It’s cold. Maybe you’re ready to send the Polar Vortex packing and get yourself packing, too — for an early Spring getaway! Keep in mind, if your destination takes you to some tropical paradise outside the U.S., you’ll want to make sure your passport is valid. If you don’t yet have a passport, don’t worry – we can help you get one!

Your Sussex County Clerk’s Office is an authorized passport acceptance facility. Whether you’re a first-time applicant, or you find you’re ineligible to renew your old passport by mail, County Clerk staff will review your paperwork to ensure your application and supporting documentation are in order.

Check the validity of your passport (and those of family members traveling with you) as soon as you think about traveling. Knowing you are prepared in advance is the best first step toward a relaxing travel experience. Keep in mind that the routine processing time for a passport is four to six weeks, but during peak travel season (early spring through mid-summer) that timeframe easily extends the full six weeks, and at times can extend to eight. You can pay an additional fee to expedite your application if necessary and reduce that time to three weeks – but again, the best defense is to apply early and avoid worry and rush fees.

Once you’ve taken steps to ensure you and your family have valid passports for travel, visit travel.state.gov to learn about steps you can take before traveling to ensure a safe and healthy trip and improve your overall experience abroad.

If your travel plans fall on or around a scheduled Election Day, consider applying for a Vote By Mail Ballot before you leave. Call the County Clerk’s Election Division with questions about early voting by mail (973-579-0900, ext. 1507).

For more information about passports visit https://sussexcountyclerk.org/passports/ or call the Clerk’s Office at 973-579-0900.

County Clerk Staff Donate to Nonprofits

Posted on by CountyClerk

Sussex County Clerk, Jeff Parrott is proud of his staff for their donation to three extremely worthwhile nonprofit organizations.  On Fridays the employees at the clerk’s office are given the option of wearing jeans for the small price of $2.00. That money added up to approximately $975.00 over the course of the year.  We chose to donate three checks in the amount of $325.00 each to Ginnie’s House, The Veteran’s Relief Fund in Hopatcong and the Sussex County Food Pantry.  Ms. Virginia Littell accepted the donation on behalf of Ginnie’s House. Mr. Mitch Ellicott accepted the donation on behalf of The Veteran’s Fund, and Mrs. Rita Oroho along with Mrs. Lisa Parrott accepted the donation on behalf of the Sussex County Food Pantry. All three of these organizations work diligently to provide support and hope to numerous Sussex County residents.

County Clerk staff with Ginnie Littell
County Clerk staff with Mitch Ellicott

Kid Nicholas Going Gold for Kids is a local program of the American Childhood Cancer Organization

Posted on by CountyClerk

As you can imagine, cancer treatment is not a quick or easy process and can be particularly difficult for children with cancer and for their families. Children with cancer can spend anywhere from weeks to months at a time in the hospital, and they endure treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and more.

Kid Nicholas Going Gold 4 Kids is a Founding Hope program of the American Childhood Cancer Organization that supports local families in New Jersey. In May of 2017, a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Parker Space (both R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) was signed by Governor Chris Christie to promote education and awareness about childhood cancer. The resolution was inspired by Nicholas DaSilva, Kid Nicholas Going gold for Kids.

September is childhood cancer awareness month. The resolution designates the third week in September of each year as “Go Gold for Kids with Cancer Awareness Week.” Childhood Cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in American children under the age of 19. Schools will be encouraged to host appropriate activities and programs that promote a better understanding of childhood cancer. We would also like to encourage all public officials and the citizens of the state to join in wearing a gold ribbon, which is the international awareness symbol for childhood.

We respectfully request your help to mark your town’s calendar for the third week of September and to help us make childhood cancer awareness month as successful as possible by participating in awareness initiatives. By doing so, your town can help us give HOPE to even more children and families in NJ and allow us to continue having a positive impact in a child’s cancer battle! To learn more about us please visit https://www.acco.org/kidnic/. Thank you for your support and consideration!

Warm regards,

Kid Nicholas Going Gold for Kids

“Kid Nicholas Going Gold 4 Kids” is a local program of the American Childhood Cancer Organization, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. © 2017 American Childhood Cancer Organization®. All Rights Reserved.

Voting in New Jersey Is Easier Than Ever!

Posted on by CountyClerk
early voting button

VOTE EARLY

Easy, Convenient, Saves Time & Gas

Voting in New Jersey is easier than ever!

*No Waiting*
*Increased opportunities to cast your ballot*
*No Long Lines*

How do I obtain a Vote Early Ballot?

• Call your County Clerk and simply ask to have a Vote Early Ballot Application mailed to your address; or

• Go online, download the application from your County Clerk’s website and mail to your County Clerk; or

• Apply in person at your County Clerk’s Office. If you apply in person 40 days or less prior to an election, you can obtain your ballot while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Is there a deadline for Vote Early Applications?

A: Yes. Application by mail must be received at least 7 days before Election Day for a ballot to be mailed to you. However, voters can obtain ballots in person beginning 45 days before an election until 3:00 PM the day before the election.

Q: Is there a deadline for returning Vote Early Ballots?

A: Yes. Your voted early ballot must be received by the county Board of Elections and must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received no later than 48 hours after the time of the closing of the polls.

Q: Can I apply for another voter?

A: NO. Registered voters MUST apply for and sign their own Vote Early application. However, they may receive assistance in filling out and delivering the application. The assistor must complete Section 10 of the application and sign where indicated.

For more information, please contact your Sussex County Clerk.

Jeffrey M. Parrott (973) 579-0900    www.sussexcountyclerk.org
Election Board: (973) 579-0950

early voting button

Be a Voter

Posted on by CountyClerk

Be a Voter

Are you planning to vote this November 6th?

If not, ask yourself why not?

If it’s because you’re not registered, or you aren’t familiar with our voting machines, or maybe you think your vote doesn’t matter – please give the County Clerk’s Office a call and we’ll do our best to hook you up with the information you need to ensure you make it to the polls – with confidence – on Election Day.

If you’re planning on not participating because you don’t know enough about the candidates on the ballot – you still have time to do some research. Talk to friends and family – engage in conversation. Find out how candidates’ views differ on the issues that matter most to you. Education? Jobs? Environment? Public Safety? Transportation? Check out candidates’ social media pages. Look up newspaper articles. Contact the campaign headquarters of local candidates. Get answers. When it comes to selecting the next Governor of New Jersey, you may find it insightful to read the gubernatorial candidate statements we’ve posted to our website (https://sussexcountyclerk.org/elections/ ). Remember that November’s winners will affect public policy moving forward. Whose public policies do you want to see implemented?

If you do plan to vote this November but aren’t sure you’ll be able to make it to the polls on Election Day – because of travel, illness, or any reason whatsoever – YOU HAVE OPTIONS!

You can vote early by mail, or you can vote in person at your County Clerk’s Office. Mail-In Ballots are available about 45 days prior to Election Day. That gives you plenty of time to plan ahead. You can download a Vote By Mail Ballot Application, or call our office and request an application be mailed to you. Mailed applications must arrive to our office on or before October 30th – this is so that we have time to mail you your ballot, and you have ample time to mail it back to the Board of Elections. The Board must receive your ballot before the close of polls (8 p.m.) on Election Day. After the mailing deadline has passed, voters still can apply and vote in person at the County Clerk’s Office up until 3 p.m. the Monday before Election Day (Nov 5th). Visit https://sussexcountyclerk.org/elections to learn more about early voting.

Voter Signing in at polling place

Be engaged. Be a voter.

Income Tax Exemption for Veterans

Posted on by CountyClerk

$3,000 Exemption for Veterans

You are eligible for a $3,000 exemption on your Income Tax return if you are a military veteran who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States on or any time before the last day of the tax year. Your spouse (or civil union partner) is also eligible for an exemption if he/she is a veteran who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances and you are filing a joint return. This exemption is in addition to any other exemptions you are entitled to claim and is available on both the resident and nonresident returns. You cannot claim this exemption for a domestic partner or for your dependents.

Claiming the Exemption

  1. When completing your tax return, you must fill in the oval (resident return) or check the box (nonresident return) to indicate that you are claiming this exemption. Otherwise, the exemption(s) will be disallowed.
  2. You must provide a copy of Form DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, with your return the first time you claim the exemption(s).

Providing Documentation

You must provide a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214, the first time you claim the exemption. We can only accept the member 4 copy of DD-214. This form does not need to be provided each year. The United States National Archives and Records Administration can assist with obtaining a copy of your DD-214.

You can certify for the exemption by sending a copy of your DD-214 and Veteran Exemption Submission Form to the Division before you file, which may help process your return faster. To certify:

Note: We can only accept the member 4 copy of DD-214.

If you do not certify before you file for the exemption, you will need to submit a copy of your DD-214 when you file using:

  • A Paper Return. Enclose a copy of your DD-214 with your return;
  • NJ Fill’nFile. Upload your DD-214, along with all of your other documentation, into the repository;
  • Other Electronic Filing Methods. If you file your return using NJ WebFile, third-party software (such as TurboTax), or you have a tax professional who electronically submits your return, you can send a copy of your DD-214 and Veteran Exemption Submission Form using one of the three certification methods listed above.

More information from New Jersey Division of Taxation.

Veterans: Kosa Veteran Support Center Now Open

Posted on by CountyClerk

Now Open

The Kosa Veteran Support Center, Inc.

48 Wyker Rd. Franklin, NJ

What the Center does:

  • Provides a safe place for veterans to access support and resources
  • Provides veterans a safe place to talk with one another and build community
  • Gives veterans a place to advocate for other veterans’ needs and work in partnership with Catholic Family & Community Services to meet those needs
  • Gives veterans a place to bring their needs, whatever they may be
  • Counseling services – a trained clinician will provide services to veterans and their families.  Counseling can be provided for individuals, couples and/or families, or in groups by calling 973-827-4702 to schedule an appointment

The Kosa Veterans Support Center is currently open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Do you have a heart for helping your fellow veterans?  Can you paint?  Are you able to do handyman work?

We are looking for volunteers to man the Center, help other veterans who may need assistance with their living quarters as well as provide other various supports and/or resources.  Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

We are excited to be able to help our fellow veterans in need, but we can’t do it without you!