VOTERS: Deadline coming for special senatorial primary

Change of party affiliation must be done by June 19

   The League of Women Voters of New Jersey reminds citizens that New Jersey’s special primary election for office of U.S. Senate will take place on Aug. 13. The deadline to file a change of party affiliation is June 19.
   ”This is an unusual election and the League is committed to combating voter confusion and bolstering participation,” said Kerry Butch, executive director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. “Deadlines are quickly approaching and the League is stepping up our efforts to ensure voters are prepared to participate in all three upcoming elections.”
   Only the Democratic and Republican parties will be on the ballot for the primary. New Jersey holds closed primaries, meaning voters select from candidates within their declared party. Any voter who declared a party when registering to vote or who previously declared a party during a primary is affiliated with that party and will only be allowed to vote in that party’s primary — unless he or she files a change of party affiliation by the deadline.
   If an already affiliated voter wishes to change his/her party, he or she must mail or deliver a Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form to the County Commissioner of Registration or the municipal clerk. These forms can be found on the League of Women Voters of New Jersey web site, www.lwvnj.org.
   Registered unaffiliated voters, those who have not declared a party affiliation on either their registration form or during a previous primary, may declare at any time up to and including primary election day at the polls and vote in that party’s primary.
   Additionally, the deadline to register to vote in the special primary election is July 23. The deadline to apply by mail for a vote by mail ballot is Aug. 6. County clerks must receive the application by that date. The deadline to apply in-person for a vote by mail ballot is Aug. 12 by 3 p.m. at your County Clerk’s office. Vote by mail applications are available at www.lwvnj.org.
   ”If voters know they will be away in August, it is crucial for them to take care of applying for their vote by mail ballot now,” said Ms. Butch. “You do not need to provide a reason to vote by mail in New Jersey. That option is available to everyone.”
   For answers to questions about the special primary election or declaring a party affiliation, call the League of Women Voters of New Jersey at 1-800-792-VOTE (8683).