2026 Voting Guides

New Jersey voting guide

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Here’s what you need to vote in New Jersey.

Check Your Registration

Even if you voted last time, check that you’re still registered. Check your registration

Register by:
  • Online, by mail, or in person: Tues., Oct. 13

Key Dates

  • Last day to register (online, mail or in person; evening hours 4–9 p.m. at county offices)
  • Sample ballots mailed
  • Early in-person voting begins
  • Mail-in ballot request by mail must be received
  • Early in-person voting ends
  • Last day to get a mail-in ballot in person from County Clerk (3 p.m.)
  • Election Day (6 a.m.–8 p.m.); drop box and in-person mail ballot deadline 8 p.m.
  • Mailed ballots with no postmark must be received
  • Postmarked mail ballots must be received
  • Deadline for ballot cure form
  • County boards of canvassers certify results
  • State Board of Canvassers certifies results (deadline)

Your Voting Checklist

  • Vote early in person from Sat., Oct. 24 to Sun., Nov. 1.
  • Vote by mail. Any voter can vote by mail.
    Request a ballot by Tues., Oct. 27. Request a mail ballot
    Return it by Tues., Nov. 3.
    Problem with your ballot? If your signature is missing or doesn't match, your county will send you a form to fix it. Track your ballot
  • Vote on Election Day, Tues., Nov. 3, 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Find your polling place
  • Bring the right ID. Most voters don't need to show ID. Some first-time voters must show an ID or a bill with their address, or else vote on a paper ballot. See the official ID rules
  • Review your sample ballot before you go.
  • Have a past conviction?
    • You can vote unless you are in prison for a felony.
    • People on probation or parole can vote.
    • After prison, you need to register again.
  • Make a plan and bring three people. Make a plan

What’s on Your Ballot

These are the biggest races in New Jersey this year. Please note, we do not endorse any candidates.

U.S. Senate

  • Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent · Campaign site
  • U.S. senator since 2013; former mayor of Newark.
  • Justin Murphy Republican · Campaign site
  • Attorney and Navy veteran; former Tabernacle Township deputy mayor.

Stance on key issues

Voting rights & elections

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Co-led the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore federal review of voting law changes. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Supports photo ID for all elections and proof of citizenship to register. Source

Policing, prisons & public safety

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Co-wrote the 2018 First Step Act on federal sentencing. Reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act on police accountability. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Supports deporting 'criminal aliens' and bringing federal charges when state and local prosecutors do not. Supports 'Constitutional Carry' of guns. Source

Immigration

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Has said he will not 'give another penny to ICE' in budget talks. Calls for closing the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark and more oversight of detention. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Supports finishing the southern border wall and placing the military at the border. Supports local police helping ICE (287(g)) and cutting federal aid to sanctuary cities. Source

Abortion & health care

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Voted against the 2025 Republican budget law's Medicaid cuts and has pushed to extend ACA tax credits. Supports abortion access and sponsors a bill to let U.S. foreign aid fund abortion care. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Says he is 'pro-life' from conception, with exceptions for the mother's life, rape and incest. Opposes tax money for abortion. Opposes government-run health care; supports Health Savings Accounts for all. Source

Economy, taxes & cost of living

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Calls current tariffs 'reckless' and pushed regulators to make sure tariff cuts lower grocery prices. Opposed cuts to SNAP food aid. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Wants to abolish the IRS and create a 10%–12% flat income tax. Would end capital gains and estate taxes. Supports a balanced budget amendment and a permanent DOGE. Source

Workers & wages

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Supports the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which sets deadlines for a first union contract. Has backed a $15 federal minimum wage. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

No public position found.

Housing

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Voted for the 2026 ROAD to Housing Act to build more homes and limit large corporate buyers. Introduced a transit-oriented housing bill. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Says Americans must own homes. Says the best housing policy is a 'gainfully employed middle-class, and low interest rates.' Source

Schools

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Urged the Education Department to drop rules limiting voter registration and civic work on college campuses. Has long supported charter schools. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Wants to abolish the U.S. Department of Education and split its budget among local school boards for public schools and vouchers. Supports school choice. Source

Civil rights, DEI & LGBTQ+ rights

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Cosponsors the Equality Act to ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Opposes gender transition care for minors and transgender women in women's sports. Opposes the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage. Source

Climate & environmental justice

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Co-chairs the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus. Opposed the EPA's move to end its finding that climate pollution harms public health. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

Supports more U.S. oil and gas drilling if done 'in an environmentally responsible manner,' and expanding nuclear power. Source

Books, press & public media

Cory Booker Democratic, incumbent

Introduced the Fight Book Bans Act to fund school districts fighting book removals. Opposed the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Source

Justin Murphy Republican

No public position found.

Protect the Vote

  • Apply to be a poll worker and support free and fair elections.
  • Watch the count. Take a training to learn how to observe the polls.
  • If anyone tries to stop you from voting or something at your polling place seems wrong:
    • Call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
    • Call 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) en español
    • Call 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) Asian languages
    • Call 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) Arabic
    • If you’re in line when polls close, stay in line. You can still vote.
    • If your name isn’t on the list, ask for a provisional ballot.
    • Know your rights

Organizations to Support

Anti-Racism Daily will never tell you who to vote for and does not endorse candidates. Information here has been pulled from the internet and may be inaccurate. Please fact-check your sources. If you spot a mistake, please let us know so we can fix it.

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