National Voter Registration Day: What You Need To Know In NJ

NEW JERSEY — While the 2020 presidential election saw record voter turnout in the United States, nearly 1 in 4 eligible Americans still aren’t registered to vote. A single day in September hopes to change that in New Jersey and other states.

National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 28 this year. Observed since 2012, this nonpartisan civic holiday helps reach tens of thousands of voters who may not otherwise register.

In 2020 and with the help of more than 5,000 community partners, more than 1.5 million eligible voters registered on National Voter Registration Day.

This year’s voter registration drive comes during a crucial period in U.S. democracy. Nearly 1 in 5 states across the U.S. passed restrictive election laws following the 2020 presidential election that tighten absentee voting windows and impose new rules around casting ballots and running elections.

Still, with the right knowledge and a bit of preparation and planning, registering to vote can still be an easy, seamless process.

Here’s what you need to know about National Voter Registration Day and how to register in New Jersey.

What Is National Voter Registration Day?

National Voter Registration Day is a coordinated effort by communities, workplaces, libraries, college campuses and other entities across the country, all of which share a common goal — to raise awareness of voter registration opportunities in their communities.

Events are planned across the country to mark the day, including in New Jersey (see the list here). They include:

• HeadCount National Voting Registration Day at Neptune High School - Tuesday, September 28 at 3 p.m., Neptune High School, 55 Neptune Blvd., Neptune Township
• National Voter Registration and Education - Tuesday, September 28 at 3 p.m., Mercer County Library Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence
• LWV of Lawrence Township hosts Voter Registration Day for TRENTON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS - Tuesday, September 28 at 10:30 a.m., Trenton Central High School, 400 Chambers St., Trenton

Does National Voter Registration Day actually work?

Nearly 4.5 million voters have registered since the event’s inception, according to the campaign’s website. More than 300,000 Americans registered to vote on the inaugural National Voter Registration Day in 2012. In 2019, 473,725 people registered to vote before that number skyrocketed to 1.5 million in 2020.

How have election laws changed in New Jersey?

Following the 2020 election, nine states passed legislation that sponsors say improves election security. Critics, however, say the legislation makes it harder for people to vote.

In Kansas, one law effectively shuts down voter registration drives by making it a felony to impersonate an election official, according to a National Public Radio report, a standard that could depend entirely on impressions. In Montana, state lawmakers eliminated Election Day voter registration.

In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed a law expanding early-voting availability throughout the state. New Jersey became the 25th in the country to allow voters to cast ballots in-person before elections for a period that includes a weekend day.

• See related article: Gov. Murphy Signs New Law Expanding Voting Access In New Jersey

How do I register to vote in New Jersey?

Registering to vote in New Jersey is simple. To learn more, visit the New Jersey Division of Elections website.

You can also register to vote directly on National Voter Registration Day’s website.

Know election deadlines in New Jersey

Less than one-third of people who voted in the 2020 presidential election did so in person after states expanded mail-in balloting and early voting due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

In fact, 2020 was the first time in the history of the survey that a majority of voters did not cast their ballots in person on Election Day.

While new laws may have changed the landscape of mail-in voting, it’s important to know when you need to register by, as well as other key election deadlines in New Jersey. Read More: 2021 General Election Voting Deadlines, Timeline In New Jersey

Some key dates include:

Oct. 12

• Voter Registration Deadline for General Election

Oct. 20

• Mailing of Sample Ballots for General Election

Oct. 23 - Oct. 31

• Early Voting Period

Oct. 26

• Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election

Oct. 29

• Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters

Nov. 1 – by 3:00 p.m.

• Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election
• Publication of Challenge and Complaint Procedures for General Election by County Boards of Election

Nov. 2

• General Election: Polls Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the General Election
• Deadline for in Person Submission of General Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election

This article contains reporting by the Patch national desk

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