Middlesex County Advises Voters to Update Information

The Middlesex County Board of Elections is encouraging residents to update their information to ensure that they can vote in the upcoming Presidential Primary Election on June 5, 2012.

“To be able to vote in the upcoming Presidential Primary Election in Middlesex County, you must be a currently registered voter in Middlesex County and have a declared party of either a Democrat, Republican or an Unaffiliated voter,” said James Vokral, administrator of the Middlesex County Board of Elections. 

Vokral said residents can check their personal voter information by visiting the County Web site: http://co.middlesex.nj.us/elections/polling-new.asp. Go to the third bullet at the center of the page: “To find detailed personal information about your personal voting record.”

This will take you to State Division of Elections Web site, or you can call the Board of Elections for more information.

“It is important that everyone who wants to vote can vote with ease,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Deputy Director Ronald G. Rios, chair of the County’s Administration Committee. “By updating your information now, you can avoid the potential of having to vote by provisional ballot, and may avoid challenges to your vote.”

“Maintaining accurate voting records helps the election process run smoothly,” said Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano.

Voters who are currently declared either with the Democratic or Republican Party may vote for the candidates in that party. If you wish to change your party you must do so no later than the deadline of April 11.

Voters who are currently declared as “Unaffiliated” may go to the polls, declare with the Democratic or Republican Party, and vote for the candidates in that party.

Voters who are currently declared as any other party (Other than Democratic, Republican or Unaffiliated) may not vote in this primary unless you change your party to a Democrat, Republican or Unaffiliated no later than the deadline of April 11. After the election you may choose to change your party back by completing a Party Change form.

If you are registered but have moved, changed your name, etc., you should check your registration information as detailed above. If you need to update your record, submit a registration form with your updated information no later than May 15.

The deadline for submitting a Voter Registration Form in NJ for the June Primary election is May 15.

Registrations may be obtained from your local municipality or the Board of Elections. Completed forms can be submitted to the Middlesex County Board of Elections from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 15. You may also submit it to your local Municipal Clerk. Please check with them for their office hours.

Forms are also available online at the State Division of Elections Web site at http://www.njelections.org/voter-registration-application.html. Select the one for Middlesex County, complete the form online, then print, sign and mail it. The form must have an original signature and must be received or postmarked by May 15 to be eligible to vote in the Primary.

Remember, to register and vote in New Jersey you must be:

• A US citizen
• At least 18 years old on or before the next election
• Residing at your present address for at least 30 days
• Not be serving a sentence or on parole or probation, as a result of a conviction of an indictable offense under state or federal law

To find your polling place visit the following site http://co.middlesex.nj.us/elections/polling-new.asp and go to the first bullet “To find your individual polling place, Click Here”

For more information, contact the Board of Elections at 732-745-3471, e-mail them at elections@co.middlesex.nj.us or go to their office at 777 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick.

--Middlesex County Board of Elections