NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The Middlesex County Board of Elections is encouraging eligible voters to register to vote and update their information in preparation for the upcoming general election on Tuesday, November 4.
The deadline to update voter information and register to vote is October 14, three weeks before the election.
Voters can check their personal information by visiting the State Division of Elections website or by contacting the Middlesex County Board of Elections.
Residents who have recently moved or changed their name are especially encouraged to ensure that their personal voter information is correct for ease of voting in November.
“By updating your information now, you will receive voter information at the right address, can avoid the potential of having to vote by provisional ballot, and may avoid challenges to your vote on Election Day,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios.
Registration forms are available online, at the Middlesex County Board of Elections, or at your local municipal clerk’s office.
Rutgers University students who live in New Brunswick, including those residing in university dorms, are also able and encouraged to register to vote in the city.
Registering under the correct address helps avoid complications with voting, including having to vote by a provisional paper ballot, said James Vokral, administrator of the Middlesex County Board of Elections.
“If they normally vote by a mail-in ballot and haven’t updated their voter record, that ballot could be sent to their old address and returned to the County Clerk as undeliverable,” Vokral said.
“Also, if you have changed your name and haven’t updated your record, you may have difficulty voting or your vote may be challenged.”
New Brunswick renters and homeowners should also return any sample ballots or election-related mail received intended for former occupants of their home to the Board of Elections to assist in maintaining voter records. Recipients should make a note on the outside of the envelope, sign it, mark it “Return to Sender,” and then give it to the postal carrier or drop it in the mail.
This year’s election ballot includes candidates for U.S. Senator, U.S. House of Representatives for the 6th Congressional District, two members of the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, two members of the New Brunswick City Council, and the Mayor of New Brunswick.
Mayor Jim Cahill, a Democrat, is currently running for re-election unopposed. Incumbent Democratic City Council Members Kevin Egan and Rebecca Escobar are also running without opposition.
Jeff Bell, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Democrat Senator Cory Booker for his seat. Republican Anthony E. Wilkinson is running against incumbent Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., a Democrat, in the Congressional race.
For further information on voter registration and election procedures, contact the Board of Elections by phone at 732-745-3471 or by email at [email protected].
