2008 Elections

Dates, Candidates, and Frequently Asked Questions about the 2008 Elections

http://www.Vote411.org.  Dates.  Candidates.  Voter Protection Hotline.  FAQ.  5 Things.

http://www.VOTE411.org

The League of Women Voters of the U.S. is proud to announce the launch of www.VOTE411.org, powered by Yahoo!, an unprecedented nonpartisan, one-stop resource for election information! Includes state-by-state information on registration, candidates, ballot questions, and more.

Dates and Deadlines

Nonpartisan Municipal Elections

Montclair Elections are on May 13

Primaries (for your party) for Essex county Freeholders is on JUNE 3 Last day to apply for absentee ballot by mail is May27

Candidates

Who is running for election in New Jersey? Visit njvoterinfo.org to find a list of 2008 election candidates

What should you look for when deciding on a candidate? Check out the League of Women Voters of New Jersey's Choosing a Candidate in New Jersey

The LWV of New Jersey recently posed questions to the major party candidates in the New Jersey U.S. Senate race. To learn more about each candidate's positions on issues such as national security, the environment, civil liberties, immigration, poverty, healthcare, and foreign policy, click here.

Voter Protection Hotline

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund is dedicated to ensuring that your vote is counted. If your right to vote is challenged by an election official, you can call the Voter Protection Hotline right on the spot. This is a toll free number 1-800-792-VOTE with trained volunteers from the LWVNJ and the ACLU waiting by the phone to advise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the last day I can register in order to vote in this general election?

October 14, 2008

2. What hours are the polls are open?

The polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. Where do I vote?

You must contact the Commissioner of Registration and they can provide you with that information. Click here for contact information in Essex and Passaic Counties.

4. Am I registered to vote?

You may call the Commissioner of Registration to verify your registration status. Click here for contact information in Essex and Passaic Counties.

5. How can I get an absentee ballot?

You must apply to the County Clerk at any time not less than 7 days prior to the election if you desire to vote by mail. If you fail to apply in writing for an absentee ballot within the 7 day time frame you may apply in person, or by authorized messenger for sick or confined voter only to the county clerk on any day up to 3:00 p.m. the day before the election.

6. When must I send my absentee ballot in?

Your absentee ballot must be RECEIVED by the County Board of Elections no later then 8 p.m. on Election Day.

7. I got an absentee ballot and my trip was canceled - what do I do now?

You may NOT vote at the polls if you received an absentee ballot, even if the circumstances that caused you to apply to vote absentee have changed. You must vote the absentee ballot.

5 Things...to remember when Voting

1. Don't panic if you registered to vote but your name is not on the list. Get help from a poll worker. You may be given a provisional ballot or directed to another polling place.

2. I.D. - Don't go without it. You may need to show a driver's license, utility bill or other document that shows your name and street address.

3. Writing on the Wall - Look at the signs at the polling place for directions on how to use the voting machines. There should also be a list of your voting rights, and instructions for filing a complaint if your rights have been violated.

4. When in doubt, ask. Poll workers will show you how to operate the machines or use a provisional ballot.

5. In and out -You probably won't have to wait too long, especially if you go between 10 and 11:30, and 1:30 and 2:30, but don't leave without voting.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: May 7, 2008 06:00 PDT.

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