Voting By Mail is a simple, secure and convenient way to cast your ballot. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you decide if it's right for you.

As always, contact the County Clerk’s office if you need further assistance or check out this illustrated Guide to Voting By Mail.

Getting A Vote By Mail Ballot

How do I get a Vote By Mail ballot?

Registered voters must submit an application (on paper with original signature) to their County Clerk.

Can I get a ballot mailed to me automatically?

Yes. Section 1 of the application asks you to specify whether you want a ballot mailed for one election or for All Future Elections.  If you choose All Future Elections, you will receive a ballot for all elections in which you are eligible with no further application required.

How do I stop getting Vote By Mail ballots?

You can stop receiving ballots by notifying the County Clerk in writing, via e-mail or by submitting this Opt-Out Form. Please note that ballots are normally sent out 45 days prior to the election.  If we receive your opt-out request after the ballots are mailed, we will process it for the next election. 

Can my ballot be mailed to an address other than my home?

Section 4 of the application allows you to specify a mailing address other than your residence. If you choose All Future Elections and provide a temporary address (for example, a college dorm) make sure to update your mailing address by completing another application.

Can I help my friend or family members apply for a ballot?

If you assist someone else with their application, make sure to complete section 10.

I’m a U.S. Citizen living outside of the United States.  Can I Vote By Mail?

Yes. Please view our applications page to see which application you need to complete.

I’m a Somerset County resident living temporarily at another address.  Can I Vote By Mail?

Yes. Please view our applications page to see which application you need to complete.

I’m a member of the U.S. Military or a dependent of a member of the Uniformed Services.  Can I Vote By Mail?

Yes. Please view our applications page to see which application you need to complete.

Can someone else pick up my ballot for me?

A family member or a registered Somerset County voter can act as your “authorized messenger” and pick up your ballot only if you complete and sign section 11 of the application. Your messenger will sign and date the form at the County Clerk’s office before they receive your ballot. 

Can I be an authorized messenger for multiple voters?

You may be a messenger for up to three voters, but immediate family members residing in the same household may serve as messenger for up to 5 family members registered at the same address. 

Can candidates serve as authorized messengers? 

No. Candidates who are on the ballot may not serve as messengers.

When should I apply?

State law sets out the following deadlines:

• 7 days before the election - last day to apply to have a ballot mailed to you
• 3 PM on the day before the election - last day to pick up a ballot in person from the County Clerk's office

If you want your ballot mailed to you, it's recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.

Can I get my Vote By Mail ballot in person instead of having it mailed?

Yes. You can pick up your ballot in person from the County Clerk's office until 3 PM on the day before the election.

Completing a Vote By Mail Ballot

What will I receive in my Vote By Mail packet?

1) The Ballot

Your municipality and voting district are printed on the ballot. For Primary Elections, your party is also noted on the ballot.

2) The Certificate Envelope (Green Ink)

This envelope is where you will certify that you completed your ballot. Your ballot goes in this envelope.

It is also requested that you provide your contact information so you can be reached should there be a problem with your ballot that can be corrected.

3) The Return Envelope (Blue Ink)

You must use this envelope to return your certification envelope and ballot to the Board of Elections.

4) Your packet may contain additional information such as public question explanations. 

How do I vote the ballot?

1) Mark your choices

Be sure to check the front and back of the ballot for all offices and questions to be voted on.  There may be choices on both sides. 

Use blue or black ink to completely darken the oval near the candidate(s) or answer of your choice.  

Personal Choice (Write-In Vote):  Only use this option to vote for a candidate whose name is not already printed on the ballot. Print the name of your choice clearly on the blank line AND darken the oval to the left of the line.

Place the ballot inside the Certificate Envelope. Do not tear off the flap. Seal this envelope.

2) Complete the Certificate of Mail-in Voter on the Certificate Envelope and sign where indicated. 

3) Place the Certificate Envelope inside the Return Envelope.  Be sure your name and barcode are visible through the transparent window.  Seal this envelope.

Can I help my family member complete their ballot?

Yes. If a family member requires your assistance in completing their ballot, you must provide your name, address, and signature on the certificate envelope. 

Can candidates help a voter complete their ballot? 

No. Candidates whose name appear on the ballot may not serve as assistors.

How do I return my completed Vote By Mail package?

Return your completed Vote By Mail packed to the Board of Elections in one of 3 ways:

1) Secure Ballot Drop Box

For Primary and General Elections, you can return your ballot to any of the following secure ballot Drop Boxes by 8 PM on the day of the election.  For special elections at other times of the year, drop box availability may change.  Please check with the Election Board for more details.

2) U.S. Mail

Ballots must be postmarked on or before the day of the election AND be received within 6 days of the election.  There is no postage necessary.

3) Bring it in person to the Board of Elections

Ballots may be returned in person to the Board of Elections office in Somerville up until 8 PM on the day of the election. Voters and bearers must present ID when returning the ballot in person.

Can I return my ballot to the polling place?

No. Ballots may not be returned to a polling place during early voting or on the day of the election. If you choose to go to a polling place the poll workers will provide you with a provisional ballot should you wish to use one, but cannot accept your Vote By Mail ballot.

Can someone return my ballot for me?

Yes. Someone else can act as your “bearer” by returning your ballot to a secure drop box, the post office or in person to the Board of Elections by following these guidelines:

• All bearers must complete the bearer portion on the return envelope in your presence before the ballot leaves your possession. 
• If a bearer is returning a ballot in person to the Board of Elections, they must show ID.

Can I be a bearer for more than one voter?

No one can be a bearer for more than three voters, but immediate family members residing in the same household may serve as bearer for up to 5 family members registered at the same address. 

Can candidates serve as bearers?

No. Candidates whose names are on the ballot may not serve as bearers.

Getting a Replacement or Duplicate Ballot

Can I get a replacement ballot?

Yes. Replacement ballots are available if your package is missing a ballot or envelopes, if you make a mistake, or if the municipality/district listed on your ballot is not correct.

You can request a replacement ballot by completing this form or by calling or emailing the County Clerk's office.

My Vote By Mail ballot never arrived in the mail. What can I do?

You can request a duplicate ballot by completing this form or by calling or emailing the County Clerk's office.  You may also pick up your ballot in person from the County Clerk's office.

Contact the County Clerk's office with questions.  

Call us at 908-231-7013 or E-Mail at VBM@co.somerset.nj.us