Ocean County Leader

With the General Election approaching on November 5, Ocean County officials are informing voters of multiple options for casting their ballots. Gary Quinn, Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the convenience offered by early voting and vote by mail alongside traditional in-person voting on Election Day.

Early voting is available from October 26 to November 3 at ten locations across the county. Voters can cast their ballots from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on other days. "Early voting allows you to vote at a location that might be convenient to your work or your home," Quinn said.

The Ocean County Clerk's website provides comprehensive information on voting options, including Vote by Mail ballots and sample ballots for Election Day guidance. "The website and also the sample ballots contain the information voters need to determine the best and most convenient way for them to cast a ballot," said Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella.

Approximately 471,000 sample ballots have been sent out to registered voters in Ocean County, detailing early voting sites and drop box locations for vote by mail ballots. As of October 18, over 68,000 vote by mail ballots had been issued with more than half already returned.

This election marks the first time in New Jersey that voters can participate in-person early voting using machines during a presidential election year.

Vote by mail applications are accessible online with a mailing deadline of October 29 through the U.S Postal Service. After this date, voters must visit the Clerk's Office in person until November 4 at 3 p.m., after which court orders will be required.

There are also twenty secure drop-off boxes located throughout Ocean County for vote-by-mail ballots with a deadline of November 5 at 8 p.m.

"We encourage our residents to get out and vote," stated Barbara Jo Crea, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. "Casting your ballot will always be the anchor to our democracy and to have your voice heard."