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2026 is an Important Election Year

Both the Democratic and Republican parties will hold Primary Elections on June 2, 2026. These elections will select the candidates to represent those parties for each office in the General Election in November.

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In 2026 we will be electiing EVERY member of the U.S. House of Representatives, including 12 from New Jersey, and 33 U.S. Senators, including one from NJ.

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Those who are elected this year will have a profound impact on the direction of the country and our lives.

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Find out which candidates are running, and where they stand on the issues you care about.

 

Voting in a Primary Election

You must be affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican Party to vote in their party’s primary. If you are currently unaffiliated, you can declare an affiliation and vote at the polls on Primary Election day.

 

This year, for the first time, 17-year-olds are eligible to vote in the Primary election if they will turn 18 on or before the General election on November 3, 2026.

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There are three ways to vote in this Primary Election:​​​​​

  1. ​Vote by Mail (VBM)

    • This year, for the first time, you may apply online for a VBM ballot at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/mib-request or you may apply by mail for a VBM Ballot by May 26, 2026 (or in person to the County Clerk by 3pm the day before the election

    • VBM Applications forms to print may be found here https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote-by-mail.shtml#applications â€‹

    • After sending in your application, you will receive a ballot in the mail.

    • Your completed ballot must be returned either to a Secure Ballot Drop Box in your county of residence by 8pm on June 2, or mailed and postmarked by 8:00 PM on June 2 to arrive at the county clerk’s office on or before 6 days after Election Day.

  3. Vote at your Polling Place on Election Day, June 2, 2026 between 6 AM and 8 PM.

  4. Vote early at an Early Voting polling place, Tuesday, May 26 through Sunday, May 31, 2026. Early voting hours are 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and Saturday, and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. (Your early voting polling place may be different from your election day polling place.)

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Understanding the Importance of a Primary Election

​What is a Primary Election?

  • A Primary is an election in which voters can choose their party's candidate for a future general election.

  • In New Jersey, only the Democratic Party and the Republican Party hold primary elections to select their candidates. (These are the parties with the most members).

  • The Democratic Primary and Republican Primary are conducted on the same day.

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How are Primary and General Elections Different?

  • New Jersey Primaries are held at the beginning of June each year; the General Election is held at the beginning of November each year.

  • In a Primary election, voters may only choose among candidates belonging to their own party. If you are a Republican, you may only vote for Republican candidates. If you are a Democrat, you may only vote for Democratic candidates.

  • In the General Election, the ballot lists candidates from all parties as well as candidates not affiliated with a party.

  • You may vote for any candidate in a General election, regardless of party.

 

Can I Vote in the Primary Election?

  • If you chose a party affiliation on your voter registration form, you may vote in the Primary election.

  • If you did not choose a party affiliation on your voter registration form, you can make that choice at the polls on Primary election day.

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Why Should I Vote in the Primary Election?

  • Primaries are important because they decide who will represent the two major parties in the General election.

  • If a candidate does not make it through the Primary, voters may lose the opportunity to elect the person who best represents the things they care about.

  • Primaries are often decided by a very small number of people who turn out to vote.

  • Let your voice be heard by voting in the Primary.​

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