Ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election, New Jersey voter registration closes Tuesday, Oct. 13. New York residents can register until Oct. 24. Early voting runs nine days in both states, from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. New York voters will elect a governor, attorney general and comptroller, while New Jersey voters will choose a U.S. senator and 12 members of the U.S. House. Those who became citizens or moved this year should first check their registration status.
The Nov. 3 midterm election is four weeks away. To vote, you must first be registered, and New Jersey's deadline is next Tuesday, Oct. 13. If you took the oath of citizenship or moved this year, or if your name changed through marriage, you should check your registration status now.
New Jersey: Register by the 13th, Early Voting Starts the 24th
The New Jersey voter registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 13. You can register online at the state elections website (voter.svrs.nj.gov), mail in a registration application, or submit it in person at your county election board. If you have a driver's license or state ID, online registration is the fastest option.
Early voting runs nine days, from Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1, at designated polling places. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. You can apply for a mail-in ballot by mail until Oct. 27, or in person at your county clerk's office until 3 p.m. on Nov. 2. Completed mail-in ballots must be postmarked Nov. 3 and arrive by Nov. 9, or be placed in a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Polls on Election Day are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New York: Register by the 24th, the Day Early Voting Begins
In New York, you can register up to 10 days before the election. Your application must reach your county board of elections by Oct. 24. Online registration is available through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. Because the registration deadline falls on the first day of early voting, it is safer to register in advance if you plan to vote early.
Early voting runs from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1, and polling places and hours vary by county. Early voting sites may differ from Election Day polling places, so check the New York City Board of Elections website (vote.nyc) or your county board of elections. Anyone can apply for an "early mail ballot" without giving a reason, either online or by mail by Oct. 24, or in person at the board of elections by Nov. 2. Ballots must be postmarked Nov. 3 and arrive by Nov. 10.
What's on the Ballot
New York will elect a governor to a four-year term. Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul and her lieutenant governor candidate, Adrienne Adams, will face Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and his lieutenant governor candidate, Todd Hood. For attorney general, Democratic incumbent Letitia James will face Republican Saritha Komatireddy. For comptroller, Democratic incumbent Thomas DiNapoli will face Republican Joseph Hernandez. U.S. House seats, state Senate and Assembly seats, and New York City ballot proposals will also appear on the ballot.
New Jersey will elect one U.S. senator, with Democratic incumbent Sen. Cory Booker facing Republican Justin Murphy. All 12 U.S. House districts will also hold elections. County and municipal races will be on the ballot as well, so it helps to get a sample ballot for your area in advance.
Korean-Language Voting Help Is Available
Under the federal Voting Rights Act, Queens and Bergen County provide Korean-language ballots and informational materials. New York City also stations Korean-language interpreters at some polling sites in Queens. If you have difficulty with English, you may bring a person of your choice to help you at the polls. However, employers and union representatives may not assist you.
You can check your registration right away by entering your name and date of birth on the New York State Board of Elections website (voterlookup.elections.ny.gov) or the New Jersey voter information portal (voter.svrs.nj.gov). If you have become a citizen and have not yet registered, this is your first chance to vote. Green card holders who are not citizens must not register to vote or cast a ballot, as doing so could cause problems with their immigration records.