The 2020 Presidential Election will take place on November 3, 2020. There are several ways NVOT students can participate in this year’s election.

Voter Registration

A student who is at least 18 years old can begin the voting process by registering. Students can register to vote online, by mail, or in person. Although the legal voting age is 18, in New Jersey, those who are at least 17 years old can register to vote for the next election they are eligible to participate in. The deadline for registering online is this Tuesday, October 13. To register by mail, one must have the form postmarked by Tuesday, October 13. 

And lastly, to register in person, one would need to report to their local election office. The deadline for in-person registration is also Tuesday, October 13.

Absentee Voting

Absentee voting is the process by which a voter receives a mail-in ballot by request. A voter who is unable to vote on Election Day can request a mail-in ballot so they can cast their vote beforehand. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all registered voters in New Jersey will receive a mail-in ballot this year – requests are not necessary. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 3 if voters choose to mail their ballots. Voters may also drop off their ballots at secure ballot boxes in their county.

Early Voting/In-Person Voting

Early voters will cast their ballots at their local county clerk’s office before Election Day. New Jersey offers early voting from September 19 to November 2. The dates and hours vary depending on where a student lives within the state. In-person voting, on the other hand, is voting in person on Election Day, November 3. To vote early or in-person on election day, a new voter must bring their ID (student ID, driver’s license, passport, etc.). If one has voted in previous elections, their ID is not required.