SOMERSET COUNTY CLERK STEVE PETER PROVIDES OUTLINE OF 2020 GENERAL ELECTION

County Will Mail Ballots to Every Active Registered Voter, Provide Instructions Throughout Process on Casting a Ballot During COVID-19

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – The Somerset County Clerk’s office will provide guidance for residents who are interested in voting in the 2020 General Election to occur on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. This year is unprecedent in New Jersey since it is the first time a General Election will be held primarily by mail after Governor Phil Murphy issued an Executive Order mandating this new voting process.

“The process for voting by mail will be similar to the 2020 primary election, but we understand that this is still unfamiliar for the majority of voters and want to ensure every voter who wishes to cast a ballot has their vote counted,” said Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter. “We have had to adjust our processes due to COVID and the need to protect the health of voters and poll workers, but we also have to protect the rights of people to speak through secure and safe voting via the US Postal Service.”

As the election proceeds, the county Clerk’s Office will continue to update the voting public on the election, by providing a video that will explain exactly how to fill out a ballot to ensure that it is counted, expand sections of the website with detailed information, and social media posts so that all segments of the population will be informed.

Every Active Registered Voter Will Receive a Vote by Mail Ballot

Active registered Somerset County voters will receive ballots by mail from the Clerk’s Office by beginning late September until Oct. 5. To check if you are an active registered voter, visit https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/registration-check or call the Somerset County Board of Elections at 908-231-7084.

Active Voters Do Not Need to Request A Ballot

Because all active voters will be mailed a ballot, there is no need to request a ballot. Newly registered voters will automatically be sent a ballot without needing to request one. There are exceptions to having to request a replacement ballot, such as if an active voter has lost, damaged or filled out the form incorrectly. Voters cannot request a second ballot if they have already submitted one. Applications are available on the Clerk’s website at http://bit.ly/scvbm.

Ballots Will Have Postage Prepaid, so There Is No Need for a Stamp

Ballots for the 2020 General Election will have a prepaid label so that voters can submit their ballot without paying postage. The ballots will be considered first class mail, so there is no benefit to the voter if they use a stamp.

Vote by Mail Ballots Can Be Submitted in Several Ways

• Ballots can be submitted by mailing them to the address on the preprinted envelope with a postmark before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. It is highly recommended that mail-in voters submit their ballot earlier.
• Ballots can be submitted by inserting them in one of the ballot drop-off boxes located throughout Somerset County. There will be at least 13 ballot drop-off boxes in the County – locations will be announced.
• Voters can go to a polling location from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. There will be at least one polling location in every Somerset County town. Voters can bring their paper ballot to a polling place, or if they do not have their paper ballot, they can cast a provisional ballot. Voters  who are disabled and require an accommodation will be able to vote on a special device.

Important Dates During the Election

• Monday, Oct. 5, 2020 – Ballots for active voters will be mailed out by this date. Ballots can be submitted as soon as they are received, which may happen before this date.
• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 – This is the last day to register to vote and be able to cast a ballot in the 2020 General Election.
• Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 – This is the last day to request a replacement ballot through the mail. Ballots can still be requested in person at the Clerk’s Office (location TBD due to COVID restrictions) through 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2020.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28 – This is the last day Qualified Overseas and Military Voters can request electronic balloting.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 – Election Day.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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