Not Sure About Primary Day Voting? Start Here

By Jenna Rittman

MercerMe

Two large fields of Republican and Democratic candidates on June 10 are seeking their party’s nominations for a spot on the November ballot to succeed the term-limited Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat who will leave office in January. Voters have many questions: Can everyone cast a ballot? Where? And why does the ballot look different from in the past?

We have the answers.

The candidates

The six Democrats are former state Senate President Steve Sweeney of West Deptford, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller of Montclair, U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill of Montclair, U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer of Tenafly, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

The five Republicans are former NJ 101.5-FM radio host Bill Spadea of Princeton, former Assemblyman and 2021 nominee Jack Ciattarelli of Somerville, state Senator Jon Bramnick of Westfield, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and contractor Justin Barbera of Vincentown.

Who can vote?

To register to vote in New Jersey, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• At least 17 years old, though you can’t vote until you’re 18
• A resident of the county for 30 days before the election
• A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under federal law or those of 50 states.

I registered a long time ago, or I skipped a few elections. Am I still eligible to vote?

To check, enter your name and birthdate on the state division of elections website.

Where do I vote?

Enter your street address on the New Jersey voter information portal to find your polling place. The polls are open on June 10 from 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

What are some important dates?

Voter registration deadline: May 20

Early voting is June 3-8

Deadline to mail applications for mail-in ballots: June 3

Deadline for unaffiliated voters to submit a party declaration to receive a mail-in ballot: June 3

Deadline to receive a mail-in ballot in person from your county clerk: June 9

Deadline for the New Jersey secretary of state to certify the election results: June 27

I’m registered to vote, but not with a party. Is that OK? 

Only registered party members may vote in a primary. If you’re unaffiliated and want to participate, you can declare a party at your polling place and then cast a ballot for a candidate of that party. For future elections, you may remain with that party or choose another. 

Why does the ballot look different from what I recall?

New Jersey ballots no longer have what’s called the “party line.” That practice, unique to New Jersey, gave prominence to the names of candidates endorsed by county party chairs and grouped the chairs’ choices. In response to a lawsuit, a federal court judge in March 2024 issued a preliminary injunction striking down the use of the party line. On March 6, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed bipartisan legislation to codify a redesigned ballot and end the party line for good.

Where can I find more information?
Call the New Jersey Voting Assistance Hotline: 1-877-658-6837. Or visit the New Jersey Division of Elections website.