The Office of the Superintendent of Elections reminds affiliated voters who want to change their party that they must do so by Wednesday, April 8th in order to participate in the June 2nd Primary Election.
“If you are affiliated with any recognized New Jersey party (Democratic, Republican, Green Party, etc.) and wish to change your affiliation to either Republican or Democratic in order to vote in June’s Primary Election, there is indeed a deadline,” says Superintendent Bugdon. Your declaration to a new party must occur by Wednesday, April 8th in order to participate in this year’s Primary Election. “It can get confusing,” Bugdon continues, “because while April 8th is the deadline to switch affiliations, it does not apply for voters who are Unaffiliated. Unaffiliated voters can declare themselves Republican or Democratic right up to and even at the polling sites during Early Voting or on Election Day itself.”
If you are unsure of your Party Affiliation or Voter Registration status, Bugdon urges voters to call her office at 609.645.5882 where election officials are on hand to assist.
Deputy Superintendent of Elections Audrey Miles says, “With the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles also participating in voter registration, you may have changed your affiliation inadvertently. Our office has received calls from voters who meant to select Republican but chose ‘Conservative’ on the MVC touchpad, or others intending to declare themselves Democratic and in their hurry affiliated to the Green Party or some other,” she stated. “There’s still time to correct any errors,” Miles says. “This is considered a ‘change’ to your party, so please re-affiliate correctly by Wednesday, April 8th.”
The Office of the Superintendent of Elections wants voters to know that Party affiliation changes are quick and simple. Voters can: • Update their party online at www.Vote.NJ.gov (click on Register to Vote); • Request a Party Declaration Form via mail (by calling 609.645.5882); Update their party affiliation by completing a Voter Registration form and indicating their chosen party therein.
“When in doubt, reach out!” remarks Superintendent Bugdon. “Our office wants to ensure everyone has the right to vote in Atlantic County’s elections. Call us at 609.645.5882 and we’ll help ensure your record is correct and your voting experience is a positive one.”