Check your mailbox for your Mail-In Ballot.
STEP 1: When your mail-in ballot arrives, open it right away to make sure your packet is complete
- A yellow Certificate of Mail-In Voter Envelope
- Your Ballot*
- A blue Return Envelope
If you are missing any item listed above, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 973-579-0900, ext. 1507.
* If you are voting in a primary election and you are an unaffiliated voter you will be mailed two ballots — one Democratic and one Republican. You must choose one ballot to vote and destroy/discard the other.
STEP 2: Read the “Instructions to the Voter”
These appear on your ballot (top left box). Failing to follow the instructions can result in your vote not being counted.
STEP 3: Mark your ballot
STEP 4: Complete the “Certificate of Mail-In Voter”
You must sign the certificate by the red x. (If there are multiple voters in your household, make sure you sign your certificate.)
If you are voting a primary ballot you must also declare a party affiliation; you do this by checking the box of the party whose ballot you voted.
STEP 5: Fold your ballot and place it in the privacy envelope
This pocket envelope is located under the flap labeled “Certificate of Mail-In Voter.” Seal the flap down to secure your ballot inside, but do NOT detach the flap.
STEP 6: Place the yellow envelope into the blue return envelope
Make sure that your name and address show through the window; seal the blue envelope.
STEP 7: Return your ballot; you have 3 options
1. Mail your ballot.
2. Deposit it in one of several secure Ballot Drop Boxes located in the county.
3. Hand-deliver your ballot to the County Board of Elections (if you designate someone to deliver your ballot for you, that person would be your “bearer” and must complete the bearer section on the front of the blue envelope before they take your ballot from you).
Call our office if you require assistance 973-579-0900, ext. 1507.