New Jersey and the nation go to the polls on Tuesday, November 6. Here's a preview of the election and how you make sure you get to cast a ballot and have your vote count.

President Barack Obama (Getty Images) and Mitt Romney (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama (Getty Images) and Mitt Romney (AP Photo)
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The biggest race on the ballot is the race for the President between incumbent Barack Obama (D) and Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

There is also a statewide race for one of New Jersey's seats in the United States Senate between current state Senator Joe Kyrillos (R) and incumbent Bob Menendez who has held the office since 2006.

Watch & participate in a debate between Kyrillos & Menendez on Wednesday, October 10 on New Jersey 101.5.

View the Presidential & Vice Presidential debates on NJ1015.com.

All of New Jersey's Congressional seats are up for grabs as well. Redistricting following the 2010 Census cost New Jersey a Congressional district which combined the 5th and 9th districts, setting up a battle between Scott Garrett &  Steve Rothman. Garrett decided not to run and Rothman lost to Bill Pascrell in the new 8th district.

There will also be two public questions on the ballot. One question is about a constitutional amendment that would allow the Legislature to require judges to pay more for their benefits. The second asks voters to decide on a proposed $750 million bond issue for new academic buildings and technological upgrades at the state's colleges and universities.

Also, a number of school districts will hold their elections.


HOW DO I REGISTER

Bob Menendez & Joe Kyrillos
Bob Menendez & Joe Kyrillos (flickr, Facebook)
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The registration deadline to vote at the next election is 21 days prior to election day, Tuesday, October 16.To be eligible to vote you must be:

  • A United States citizen
  • At least 18 years old by the next election
  • A resident of the county for 30 days before the election

Mail or deliver the Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form to the County Commissioner of Registration or Superintendent of Elections for your county.

You can also register to vote at the same time you are applying for assistance or service at the following agencies:

  • NJ Medical Assistance & Health Services Program
  • WIC (Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infant & Children)
  • Work First NJ Programs
  • Division of Developmental Disabilities
  • Office of Disability Services - Department of Human Services - Public Offices
  • Armed Forces of the United States Recruitment Offices
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Department of Labor
  • Commission of the Blind & Visually Impaired
  • County Welfare Agency or County Board of Social Services

COLLEGE STUDENTS:

You can register to vote if:

  • You are a United States citizen
  • You will be 18 years of age by the next election
  • You will be a resident of the State and county 30 days before the election
  • You are NOT currently serving a sentence, probation or parole because of a felony conviction

Search the state's records to make sure you are registered here.

HOW CAN I VOTE BY MAIL?

 

Stacy Proebstle/Townsquare Media NJ
Stacy Proebstle/Townsquare Media NJ
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Any voter can now vote by mail in any election. You do not need a reason to Vote by Mail.

A voter may vote by mail by completing the Application for Vote by Mail Ballot , and returning the application to their County Clerk within 7 days of Election Day.

WHERE DO I VOTE:

The New Jersey Department of State has a site where you can search for your polling location by enetering your address. You will be asked to show identification before you vote. All New Jersey polls are open 6AM-8PM and will stay open until the last voter in line at 8PM has cast a ballot.

 

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