The New Jersey Division of Elections

New Jersey Division of Elections

The New Jersey Division of Elections, operating under the authority of the Secretary of State, is the primary state-level agency responsible for the administration and oversight of the electoral process in New Jersey. While county clerks and boards of election handle local logistics, this Division ensures statewide compliance with Title 19 statutes and federal election laws. It serves as the central repository for election data, certifying the results of state and federal elections and providing guidance to local election officials to ensure uniformity and fairness in the democratic process.

Voter Registration and Systems

The Division manages the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS), a centralized database that tracks all registered voters in the state. Key functions include:

• Registration Maintenance: Processing voter registration applications and updating records to reflect changes in address, party affiliation, or name.
• Vote-By-Mail: Overseeing the guidelines for mail-in ballots and ensuring that military and overseas voters (UOCAVA) have access to voting materials.
• Public Information: providing tools for citizens to check their registration status, find their polling place, and track their mail-in ballots online.

Candidate Services

For individuals seeking state or federal office, the Division of Elections is the filing authority. Staff accept and review nomination petitions to ensure candidates meet the statutory signature requirements to appear on the ballot. The Division also certifies the official list of candidates to the county clerks for ballot printing.

Location and Access

The Division is headquartered within the Department of State complex on West State Street in Trenton's capitol district. As a secure government facility, visitors must present valid identification and pass through security screening. It is recommended that candidates and members of the public looking to file documents or make inquiries verify the specific floor or office suite for public intake, as administrative offices may differ from public counters.