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Make Your Voice Count

Voting is both a civic right and a civic responsibility and is one way we translate Jewish values of communal responsibility into civic action. For the Jewish community, participation also helps ensure that issues affecting Jewish life are understood and taken seriously in the public square. Decisions made by elected officials affect the fight against antisemitism, the safety of Jewish institutions, religious freedom, education, public safety, and the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey encourages every eligible voter to become informed, make a plan, and participate in the 2026 General Election. Your vote is your own. Our role is to help you participate. 

 

Why Voting Matters Through a Jewish Lens

Jewish civic participation does not mean that Jews vote as a bloc or agree on every issue. It means that we show up, learn, ask questions, and participate in the democratic process. Voting helps ensure that elected leaders understand that Jewish communities are engaged constituents whose concerns matter.

The point is not to tell members of our community how to vote. The point is to ensure that Jewish voters are informed, engaged, and present.

  • Combating antisemitism and hate: Laws, enforcement priorities, civil-rights policy, education, and public leadership all shape how antisemitism is addressed.

  • Jewish security: Elected officials influence public-safety policy and funding that can help protect synagogues, schools, community centers, and other faith-based institutions.

  • Israel and the U.S.-Israel relationship: Federal policymakers make decisions involving foreign policy, security assistance, diplomacy, and responses to threats facing Israel.

  • Education and Jewish students: School boards, state officials, and other public bodies shape curriculum, school climate, civil-rights protections, and responses to antisemitic incidents.

  • Religious freedom and Jewish life: Policy decisions can affect the ability of Jewish individuals and institutions to practice, gather, educate, and participate fully in American society.

  • Local quality of life: Taxes, public safety, schools, transportation, social services, and community resources are decided by elected leaders close to home.

 

Webinar on October 6 - Be An Informed Voter: Your Vote is Your Voice

12:00pm, October 6: This webinar, presented by the New Jersey Bar Foundation, will give New Jersey residents a non-partisan overview about the voting process and how to gather information about candidates from trustworthy sources. This webinar is free and open to anyone and everyone. 

REGISTER

 

Important 2026 New Jersey Dates

September 19 - Commencement of mailing mail-in ballots for general election

October 13 - Voter registration deadline for the general election

October 21 - Mailing of sample ballots for general election

October 24-November 1 - In-person early voting period

October 27 - Deadline for the county clerk to receive a vote-by-mail application by mail

November 2 by 3:00pm - Deadline to apply in-person at the county clerk's office for a mail-in ballot

November 3 - General Election Day; Polls open 6:00am-8:00pm

November 3 - Deadline for post office receipt of mail-in ballots from the general election

November 3 by 8:00pm - Deadline for in-person submission of general election mail-in ballots to county boards of election and to authorized ballot drop boxes

NOTE: Information and election deadlines are subject to change. Voters should verify all dates, requirements, and voting information through the official New Jersey Division of Elections website at Vote.NJ.Gov.

 

Start Here: Confirm Your Voter Registration

Before making a voting plan, confirm that your registration is active and your information is current especially if you moved, changed your name, or have not voted recently.

CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION
REGISTER OR UPDATE REGISTRATION

Three Ways to Vote in New Jersey

Vote Early In-Person

Early voting runs October 24 through November 1. During the early-voting period, registered voters may vote on a machine at any designated early-voting location within their county. New Jersey states that early-voting locations are open at least 10 AM–8 PM Monday through Saturday and 10 AM–6 PM Sunday.

NJ EARLY VOTING INFORMATION

Vote By Mail

Registered voters may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot. For the 2026 General Election, an application submitted by mail must be received by October 27. Voters may apply in person at the County Clerk’s office until 3:00 PM on November 2.

Important: a vote-by-mail ballot cannot be returned at an early-voting location or Election Day polling place.

NJ VOTE-BY-MAIL INFORMATION

Vote on Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Election Day, vote at your assigned polling location.

VOTING INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Before You Vote

  • Confirm your voter registration status.

  • Decide whether you will vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day.

  • Know your voting location and voting hours.

  • Review your sample ballot including the back and any additional pages.

  • Learn about the offices, candidates, and ballot questions that will appear on your ballot using reliable sources.

  • Consider the issues that matter to you and your community, including antisemitism, Jewish security, Israel, education, religious freedom, public safety, and other local, state, and national priorities.

  • If voting by mail, return your ballot early and track its status.

 

Official Voter Resources

NJ VOTER INFORMATION PORTAL
MIDDLESEX COUNTY VOTING
MONMOUTH COUNTY VOTING

 

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. This voter-engagement campaign is intended to encourage civic participation and provide voting information. Federation does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties through this campaign.