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Election 2024

Resources to help you prepare for the upcoming election.

In the United States, voting is a fundamental right and an important way for you to be an engaged citizen. Even if you think you aren't interested in politics, politics is interested in you! At every level of government, the leaders we elect determine laws and policies that shape our everyday lives, from how much tax we pay to which roads get repaired and what students learn in public schools. By casting a ballot, you get to express what is important to you and have a say in what the future looks like.

You may think your vote is not important, but local elections are often determined by very small margins—sometimes even a single vote! Recent presidential elections have also come down to a relatively small number of votes in key states. On this guide, you will find resources to learn more about the issues and candidates at stake in this election and make sure that you are ready to vote.

★ Make a Voting Plan ★

Make sure you are ready to vote by doing the following:

  1. Check your voter registration. The New Jersey deadline to register to vote in this election has passed, so you will only be able to vote if you are already registered. If you're not sure, you can check your registration using the links below. If this is your first time voting, bring a government-issued ID!
  2. Decide how you want to vote. Do you want to vote by mail or in-person? Will you vote on Election Day or ahead of time? If you plan to vote on Election Day, make sure you plan ahead. Will you go in the morning? After class or work? Talk with your friends and family about going together. More information on the different ways to vote in New Jersey is linked below.
  3. Locate your polling place. If you are casting an absentee ballot, you can do so by mailing it or dropping it off at a secure drop-box. Make sure you check your local post office's hours, and if possible, mail your ballot before Election Day. You can locate a drop-box using the links below. If voting early in-person, you can vote at any early voting location in your county. If you vote on Election Day, you must cast your vote at your designated polling location. Secure drop-boxes, early voting locations, and your designated polling place can all be found using the links below!
  4. Educate yourself about the issues and candidates. To make an informed decision, learn about the candidates, their values, and their plans. While the presidential race receives the most attention, local elections are just as important and might have an even bigger effect on your day-to-day life! Use the resources on the Learn about Issues and Candidates page of this guide to find reliable, credible information on candidates and their platforms.

Credit

This page was originally created by Phoebe Duke-Mosier and was most recently updated in October 2024.