US Trending News: When Does Early Voting Start in New Jersey

As the 2025 general election approaches, New Jersey voters are preparing to cast their ballots. One of the most important aspects of this process is early voting, which allows residents to vote before Election Day. If you’re wondering “When does early voting start in New Jersey?”, this article will provide you with all the key dates, locations, and information you need.

Understanding Early Voting in New Jersey

Early voting in New Jersey is a convenient option for voters who may not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day. It gives individuals the flexibility to choose a time that suits their schedule, reducing wait times and ensuring a smoother voting experience.

For the 2025 general election, in-person early voting begins on Saturday, October 25, and runs through Sunday, November 2. This nine-day window provides ample opportunity for voters to participate in the democratic process.

Key Dates and Hours

The early voting hours are consistent across the state, with the following schedule:

Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

These hours are designed to accommodate a wide range of schedules, including those who work during the week or have other commitments on weekends.

It’s important to note that if you arrive at an early voting center by 8 p.m. (or 6 p.m. on Sundays), you will be allowed to vote regardless of how long the line is. Do not leave—your right to vote is protected.

Where to Vote Early

New Jersey has established multiple early voting locations across the state, each serving specific counties. These locations vary depending on population and accessibility. Voters can find their nearest early voting site using the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.

Here are some examples of early voting locations in different counties:

Bergen County

Fort Lee — Jack Alter Community Center
Garfield — Nutrition Center & Senior Citizens building
Hackensack — County administration building
Paramus — Bergen Community College
River Vale — Community Center
Teaneck — Richard Rodda Center
Woodcliff Lake — Tice Senior Center
Wood-Ridge — Senior Citizen Center
Wyckoff — Public Library

Passaic County

Clifton — Clifton Public Library
Haledon — Haledon Recreation Building
Hawthorne — Louis Bay 2nd Library Community Center
Passaic — City Hall
Paterson — The Heritage Center at Alexander Hamilton
Wanaque — Passaic County Community College
Wayne — Main Library
West Milford — West Milford Township Library
Woodland Park — Boys & Girls Club

Essex County

Bloomfield — Watsessing Park Community Center
East Orange — East Orange City Hall
Fairview — Fairfield Recreation Center
Irvington — Municipal building
Newark — Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
Newark — Essex County Complex Parking Garage
Newark — Weequahic Park Community Center
Newark — West Side Park Community Center
Verona — Community Center
West Orange — Berson Family Center

Morris County

Boonton — Municipal building
Denville — Municipal building
Hanover — Community Center
Madison — Hartley Dodge Memorial
Morristown — Municipal building
Mount Arlington — Civic Center
Mount Olive — Municipal building
Parsippany Troy Hills — Morris County Central Avenue Complex

Mail-In Ballots: A Viable Option

In addition to early voting, many voters opt for mail-in ballots. If you plan to vote by mail, here are the key details:

Request your ballot through your county clerk’s office no later than October 28.
Pick up your ballot in person from your county clerk’s office by 3 p.m. on November 3.
Postmark your ballot on or before 8 p.m. on Election Day (November 4).
Deliver your ballot to your county board of elections by November 10.

If you don’t have a postmark, your ballot will still be counted if received within two days of Election Day.

Tracking Your Ballot

To ensure your ballot is received, you can track its status using the Track My Ballot Portal. This tool allows you to check whether your ballot has been received and processed.

Finding Your Polling Place

If you plan to vote in person, you can use the New Jersey Division of Elections online polling place search tool to locate your designated polling place. This tool is especially useful if you’re voting in a different county than where you’re registered.

What to Do if You Encounter Issues

Voting should be a straightforward process, but sometimes issues arise. Here are some steps to take if you face challenges:

Ask to speak to the Super Poll Worker if you believe you’ve been denied the right to vote.
Call the ACLU Voter Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.
Contact your county election officials for help if you have questions about your eligibility.
Visit the NJ BIAS online portal or call 1-800-277-BIAS if you encounter discrimination or harassment.

The Gubernatorial Race: A Key Focus

One of the most anticipated races in the 2025 election is the governor’s race, where Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill faces off against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Recent polls show Sherrill maintaining a lead, but Ciattarelli is gaining ground, making this race a closely watched event.

Why Early Voting Matters

Early voting has become increasingly popular in New Jersey, particularly after the record turnout in the 2024 presidential election. In Bergen County, over 112,000 voters cast their ballots early, significantly reducing lines on Election Day. Officials expect similar trends in 2025, though not as high as the previous year.

Final Tips for Voters

Vote early to avoid long lines on Election Day.
Bring a valid ID if you’re a first-time voter.
Know your polling place and the hours of operation.
Track your ballot if you’ve voted by mail.
Stay informed about your rights and responsibilities as a voter.

Conclusion

As the 2025 general election approaches, understanding when early voting starts in New Jersey is crucial for every eligible voter. With early voting beginning on October 25 and running through November 2, there are plenty of opportunities to cast your ballot conveniently and efficiently.

Whether you choose to vote in person or by mail, staying informed and prepared is key to ensuring your voice is heard. By taking advantage of early voting and other options, you can contribute to a fair and successful election process.

Author: [Name]

Title/Role: [Journalist and Political Analyst]

Credentials: [Experience covering elections and political developments in New Jersey]

Profile Link: [Optional link to author’s profile]

Sources:

– New Jersey Division of Elections

– New Jersey Voter Information Portal

– ACLU Voter Hotline

CTA: Stay updated with the latest news on voting procedures, election results, and political developments in New Jersey. Explore today’s headlines and ensure your voice is heard.

URL Slug: us-trending-news-when-does-early-voting-start-in-new-jersey

Schema Markup:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Article",
  "headline": "US Trending News: When Does Early Voting Start in New Jersey",
  "description": "Find out when early voting starts in New Jersey for the 2025 general election, including key dates, locations, and voting tips.",
  "datePublished": "2025-10-25",
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "[Name]"
  },
  "publisher": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "[Publication Name]",
    "logo": {
      "@type": "ImageObject",
      "url": "[Logo URL]"
    }
  }
}

Featured Snippet Optimization:

Early voting in New Jersey starts on October 25 and ends on November 2. Polling hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Voters can find their nearest early voting location using the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.