Vote-By-Mail FAQ
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Q: Why did I get a mail-in ballot even though I didn’t request one?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 144 requiring the County Clerk to send all Democratic and Republican registered voters a vote-by-mail ballot for the upcoming Presidential Election. For many of us this may be our first time voting with a vote-by-mail ballot. Check out this “How to fill out your vote-by-mail ballot” self-guided tutorial for step-by-step instructions on how to fill out and return your VBM ballot. Click here
Q: What if I need a second vote-by-mail ballot? / Didn’t receive the first VBM ballot? / Accidentally threw away or misplaced the first VBM ballot? / Made a mistake filling out the first VBM ballot?
You need to fill out a request for a second vote-by-mail ballot. For a second ballot request form click here
Q: What are the options for returning my completed vote-by-mail ballot?
There are 3 ways to return/deliver your completed vote-by-mail ballot. Don’t delay, return your completed VBM ballot today
1. Mail via the US Postal Service
No postage necessary
Must be postmarked on or before November 3, 2020
2. Deposit in one of the secure drop boxes located throughout Essex County
Boxes are accessible round-the-clock, meaning you can make a deposit 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Here are the secure drop box locations
Montclair Town Hall
205 Claremont Avenue
Montclair
3. Hand it to a human at the Essex County Board of Elections/Hall of Records office and be prepared to show ID (identification)
Regular office hours are Mon – Fri 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
On November 3 office hours will be extended to close late at 8:00 PM
The street address is 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102
You need to enter the building through the back entrance
Remember to bring your ID
Q: What if I need help filling out my vote-by-mail ballot?
You may ask someone to help you fill out your ballot. If someone helps you fill out your ballot, the helper must fill in the bottom portion of the “CERTIFICATE OF MAIL-IN VOTER” envelope. In the space titled “ANY PERSON PROVIDING ASSISTANCE…” the person providing assistance fills in:
Their signature
Prints their name (not your name)
Prints their address (not your address)
We also encourage you to take this self-guided tutorial to take you step-by-step through the process of filling out your VBM ballot. Click for tutorial
Q: What if I need help delivering my vote-by-mail ballot?
You may ask someone else to deliver your ballot. If someone delivers your completed VBM ballot for you, they need to fill out the “bearer portion” of the BUSINESS REPLY MAIL return envelope. This is the area on the envelope titled “TO PROTECT YOUR VOTE” with lines for the bearer to fill in:
First line bearer’s signature
Second line bearer prints their own name (not your name)
Third line bearer prints their own address (not your address)
We also encourage you to take this self-guided tutorial to take you step-by-step through the process of filling out your VBM ballot. Click for tutorial
Q: Can I vote at my regular polling place on Election Day?
No, regular polling places will not be open on Election Day. See above for information on how to request a mail-in-ballot or options for how to return your completed mail-in-ballot. This self-guided tutorial might also be helpful. It takes you step-by-step through the process of filling out and sending your VBM ballot. Click for tutorial
Q: What if I need a provisional ballot?
A limited number of polling places will be open on Election Day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Only provisional paper ballots are available to cast your ballot at these locations. These locations will also have disability accessible ballots available. Please note the ward and district information for these locations is pending. If you need further information now, please call (973) 621-4922.
Q: What if I have a disability and need an accessible ballot?
Please call the Essex County Clerk’s office at (973) 621-4922 for assistance.
Q: What if I am living, working, or serving in the military outside the US?
You have the option of voting by fax or email. Visit for more information on voting from out the US or call the Essex County Clerk’s office at +1 (973) 621-4922 for assistance.
Q: What if I am not registered to vote?
The deadline to register to vote in the October 13, 2020
Not sure if and where you are registered, Click here
Q Who is eligible to vote in New Jersey?
To register to vote in New Jersey you must be:
a United States Citizen
at least 18 years old by the next election
a resident of your home county for 30 days before the election
You are not eligible to register to vote if you are serving a sentence or are on parole or probation, as a result of a conviction of an indictable offense under state or federal law, or have been adjudged mentally incompetent. The Commissioners of Registration cannot accept faxed copies or an electronic transmission of a voter registration form, since an original signature is required. The Voter Registration Form can also be used for name and address changes. Forms must be received 21 days prior to the next election to be able to vote in that election.
Q: What if I am not registered to vote
If you live in Essex County Download Forms here
New Register online:, Starting September 4, 2020, you will be able to register to vote online. We will post the link when it becomes available
Q: Can I vote online?
No, you cannot vote online, nor can you register to vote or request a VBM application online. You can download voter registration forms and VBM applications online, but they must be mailed in or hand delivered. You cannot submit photocopies or faxes of your voter registration, VBM application or VBM ballot. Only your original documents with your original signature will be accepted.
You can download key voter registration and request forms here:
Application for a vote-by-mail ballot Click to download
Second ballot request form Click to download
Register to vote Click to download
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