Camden County Advises Alternative Voting Amid Coronavirus Concern

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Camden County officials are reminding residents about an alternative method of voting in the June 2 primary elections as new coronavirus has begun to result in the cancellations of sporting events, concerts, and other mass gatherings throughout the country.

“Our sole focus is protecting the integrity of this process and ensuring that every Camden County resident who is eligible and wants to vote can do so,” Camden County Clerk Joseph Ripa said in a statement Thursday morning. “Although Camden County has just one presumptive positive case of coronavirus as of March 11, we are taking extremely seriously the possibility that a broader outbreak could occur or be in progress when voters head out to the ballot box. Rest assured, you will always be able to cast a ballot in Camden County and have your voice heard.”

Health officials remind Camden County residents that the chance of contracting coronavirus in the area is low, but the vote-by-mail process is just as safe, secure, and confidential for anyone with concerns.

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“Residents of Camden County can register to vote by mail until seven days prior to the election, or until 3 p.m. the day before the election if they register in person,” Ripa said. “Registering now will allow you to safely cast your ballot regardless of the status of coronavirus in our community on June 2.”

For more information about vote by mail, visit https://www.camdencounty.com/service/voting-and-elections/vote-by-mail/.

The New Jersey Department of Health has partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System to open and operate a call center (1-800-222-1222) for public use regarding questions, concerns, and other information related to coronavirus spread in New Jersey. More information is also available on the state's coronavirus webpage.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

The deadline to file petitions to run in the primaries is March 30, while the deadline for third-party candidates to file petitions to run in the general election is June 2. The deadline to register to vote is May 12. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 3 p.m. on June 1, and the deadline to return an absentee ballot is 8 p.m. on June 2. Election Day is Nov. 3.

For more on how to register and how to find your polling location, visit the state's website.