March
March 1
Governor Commissions County Election Board Members
N.J.S.A. 19:6-18
March 1 - March 15
County Boards of Election to Organize
N.J.S.A. 19:6-22; N.J.S.A. 19:6-23
March 1
On or before, the Chairs of the two State Political Party Committees are to notify the Secretary of State of the number of Delegates-At-Large and Alternates, and the number of District Delegates and Alternates to be Elected at the Presidential Primary N.J.S.A. 19:24-1
March 14
Deadline for Creating, Abolishing, Dividing or Consolidating an Election District by County Board of Election (82 days before primary election) (No election districts shall, except with the prior approval of the Secretary of State, be created, abolished, divided or consolidated between January 1 of any year whose last digit is 7 and December 1 of any year whose last digit is 0.)
N.J.S.A. 19:4-15, N.J.S.A. 19:4-15b.
March 20
On or before, the Secretary of State is to certify to the County Clerk and County Board of each County the number of Delegates-At-Large and Alternates, and the number of District Delegates and Alternates to be Chosen by each Political Party N.J.S.A. 19:24-2
March 22
Secretary of State to Submit Notice to County Clerks and County Boards of Election of Available Offices and Public Questions for Upcoming General Election (74 days before primary election) N.J.S.A. 19:12-1
March 22
County Committee Chairs to File with Municipal Clerks the Number of County Committee Seats to be Filled at Primary Election (74 days before the primary election) N.J.S.A. 19:23-1
March 24 – March 30; March 31 - April 6
Publication of Notice of Requirements to Vote in Primary Election by County Commissioner of Registration (notice to be published once during each of the two calendar weeks next preceding the week of the 55th day before the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-45.1
March 25
Notice of County Offices to be Elected at General Election to be sent by County Clerks to Municipal Clerks
(71 days before the primary election)
N.J.S.A. 19:12-5
March 25
Notice of Municipal Offices to be Elected at General Election to be sent by Municipal Clerks to County Clerks
(71 days before the primary election)
N.J.S.A. 19:12-6
March 25 – 4 p.m.
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for Primary Election
(before 4:00 p.m. on or before 71st day prior to election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-14
March 28 – 4 p.m.
Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for Primary Election Candidates
(before 4 p.m. no later than 3 days after filing deadline)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-20
March 31
Prior to April 1, the Secretary of State is to certify to the County Clerk of each County the applicable Party Rules governing the Delegate Selection process N.J.S.A. 19:24-2
April
April 1 – 4 p.m.
Filing Deadline for Objections to Nominating Petitions for Primary Election Candidates
(before 4 p.m. no later than 4 days after filing deadline)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-20.1
April 1
Appointment of District Board Workers by County Boards of Election
N.J.S.A. 19:6-3
April 1
Municipal Clerks to Submit Certified List of Suggested Polling Places to County Boards of Election N.J.S.A. 19:8-2
April 1
Notice of Federal, State, and County Offices to be Elected at General Election to be sent by County Clerks to Municipal Clerks
(64 days before the primary election)
N.J.S.A. 19:12-3
April 3
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenges for Primary Election Candidates
(9 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-11
April 3
Deadline for Filing Certificate to Fill Vacancy of a Primary Election Candidate By the Appointed Vacancy Committee
(62 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-12
April 4 – 12 p.m.
Deadline for Municipal Clerk to Certify to the County Clerk the Names of the Candidates who filed Primary Election Nomination Petition with Municipal Clerk
(No later than 12 p.m. 61 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-14
April 4 – 12 p.m.
Transmittal of Secretary of State Certification of Federal and State Primary Election Candidates to County Clerks
(No later than 12 p.m. 61 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-21
April 4 – 3 p.m.
County & Municipal Clerk Drawings for Ballot Positions for Primary Election Candidates
(At 3 p.m. on the 61st day before the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-24
April 5
Transmittal of County Clerk Certification of All Candidates to be Placed on the Primary Election Ballot to Municipal Clerks, the County Clerk Shall also Transmit such List, but for Federal Candidates; to Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC)
(60 days before the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-22
April 5*
2024 Primary Election Timeline
Deadline for Preparation of Official Primary Election Ballot for Printing
(60 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:14-1
* County Commissioner of Registration is to provide notice to the two County Chairpersons of the date to inspect voting machines after they have been prepared for the upcoming election. This date will vary from county to county. N.J.S.A. 19:48-6
April 6
Deadline for Filing in Superior Court to Protect Primary Election Candidate’s Rights
(12 days after petition filing deadline)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-12
April 9
Publication of Notice of Mail-in Ballot Availability for Primary Election by County Clerks
(prior to the 55th day before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-6
April 10
Deadline for Change of Party Affiliation Declaration Forms for Primary Election to be Filed with County Commissioners of Registration
(55 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-45
April 14 - May 13
Publication of Notice of Primary Election by County Boards of Election
(within 30 days before close of registration for election)
N.J.S.A. 19:12-7
*Under current law the Primary Election is held only for the Democratic and Republican parties. N.J.S.A. 19:5-1
April 20
Commencement of Mailing of Mail-In Ballots for Primary Election
(45 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-5, N.J.S.A. 19:63-9
May
May 14
Voter Registration Deadline for Primary Election
(21 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:31-6
May 14
Mandated Evening Voter Registration Available for Primary Election in Offices of County Commissioners of Registration
(optional for Municipal Clerk) (21 days before election) N.J.S.A. 19:31-2
May 15
Certification of Polling Places by County Boards of Election
N.J.S.A. 19:8-4
May 15
Filing of Certification of Accessible Polling Places to the Secretary of State by the County Boards of Election N.J.S.A. 19:8-3.4
May 21
Deadline for Filing of Challenger Appointments for Primary Election
(second Tuesday preceding election)
N.J.S.A. 19:7-3
May 22
Mailing of Sample Ballots for Primary Election
(on or before 12 noon on Wednesday preceding the start of the early voting period for the primary election)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-34
May 26 – June 1
Publication of Notice of Primary Election by County Boards of Election
(once during the calendar week prior to election)
N.J.S.A. 19:12-7
May 28
Publication of Challenge and Complaint Procedures for Primary Election by County Boards of Election (7 days before election) N.J.S.A. 19:12-9
May 28
Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for Primary Election
(not less than 7 days prior to election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-3
May 28
Deadline for Unaffiliated Voters to submit Political Party Affiliation Declaration Forms for Primary Election to be Filed with County Commissioners of Registration in order to receive a mail-in ballot by mail. N.J.S.A. 19:23-45
May 29 – June 2
Early Voting Period
(start on the 6th calendar day before a presidential primary election and end on the second calendar day before that presidential primary election) N.J.S.A. 19:15A-1
May 30
Last day for Testing of Electronic Scanning Equipment for Tabulation of Paper Ballots for Primary Election (A county board of elections may begin opening the inner envelopes for each mail-in ballot and canvassing each mail-in ballot from the inner envelope no earlier than five days prior to the day of the election-June 4) (notice to be given 48 hours prior to the start of testing) N.J.S.A. 19:53A-8; 19:63-22 (b)
May 31
Deadline for Application to Receive Primary Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters
(4th day before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:59-4
June
June 3 – by 3:00 p.m.
Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for Primary Election
(up to 3:00 p.m. on the day before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-3
June 3 – by 3:00 p.m.
Deadline for Unaffiliated Voters to submit Political Party Affiliation Declaration Forms for Primary Election to be Filed with County Commissioners of Registration in order to receive a mail-in ballot in person. N.J.S.A. 19:23-45
June 3
Publication of Challenge and Complaint Procedures for Primary Election by County Boards of Election
(1 day before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:12-9
June 4
Primary Election Day
(Tuesday after first Monday in June)
N.J.S.A. 19:2-1, N.J.S.A. 19:23-40
June 4
Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the Primary Election
June 4
Deadline for In-Person Submission of Primary Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election and to Authorized Ballot Drop Boxes
(by 8:00 p.m. on the day of election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-16; NJSA 19:63-16.1e
June 4 - June 16
Impoundment Period for Voting Machines Used in the Primary Election that are exempted by paragraph (2) of subsection b. of R.S. 19:48-1
(13 days following the closure and locking of the voting machines to comply with P.L. 2023, c.124)
N.J.S.A. 19:52-6
June 6
Deadline for Receipt by County Boards of Elections of Mail-In Ballots by delivery of the United States Postal Service that DO NOT Bear a Postmark of Delivery
(no later than 48 hours (2 days) after the time of the closing of the polls for the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-22
June 7
Deadline for Municipal Clerk to Canvass Statements of the District Board for Members of the County Committee of Any Political Party
(not later than 3 days after the results of the election for members of the county committees are received)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-54
June 10
Deadline for Receipt of Timely Mailed Postmarked Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election
(no later than 144 hours (6 days) after the time of the closing of the polls for the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-22
June 11
Filing of Acceptance of One Nomination where Primary Election Nominee Receives More Than One Nomination for Same Office (7 days after election) N.J.S.A. 19:14-9
June 15
Deadline for Receipt of Cure Form to County Boards of Election
(no later than 48 hours (2 days) prior to the final certification of the results of the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-17
June 16
Deadline for Filing of Election Contest Petitions for Primary Election
(up to 12 days after election)
N.J.S.A. 19:29-3
June 16
Deadline for Applications for Recheck of Voting Machines Used in the Primary Election that are exempted by paragraph (2) of subsection b. of R.S. 19:48-1
(within 13 days after election)
N.J.S.A. 19:52-6
June 17
Deadline for Municipal Clerk to Certify to County Clerk and County Board of Elections the Names of Duly Elected County Committee Members (within 13 days after primary election) N.J.S.A. 19:23-54
June 17
Deadline for County Clerk to Certify to County Board of Elections the Names of Duly Elected County Committee Members (within 13 days after primary election) N.J.S.A. 19:23-54
June 17
Canvass of Primary Election Votes by County Clerks
N.J.S.A. 19:23-54
June 19
Deadline for Preparation of Emergency and Provisional Ballot Reports by Each County Board of Election for the Primary Election (within 15 days after the election or 3 days after the certification of the results of the election) N.J.S.A. 19:53B-21; N.J.S.A. 19:53C-21
June 20
Deadline for Recount Applications for Primary Election
(within 3 days after the certification of the results of the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:28-1
June 24 Deadline for Filing of Acceptance of Nomination by Successful Primary Election Write-in Nominee (on or before the 7th day following the date of the certification of the results of the primary)
N.J.S.A. 19:23-16
June
June 4 – 4 p.m.
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for Independent Candidates for General Election
(before 4:00 p.m. of the day of the primary election)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-9
June 4
School & Fire District to Submit Notice to County Clerks of Available Offices for Upcoming General Election (on or before primary election) N.J.S.A. 19:60-7; N.J.S.A. 40A:14-71
June 7 – 4 p.m.
Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for Independent General Election Candidates
(3 days after filing deadline)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-13
June 10 – 4 p.m.
Filing Deadline for Objections to Nomination Petitions for Independent General Election Candidates (before 4 p.m. no later than 4 days after filing deadline) N.J.S.A. 19:13-10
June 13
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for Independent General Election Candidates
(9 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-11
July
July 1
Submission of Evening Registration Plan by County Commissioners of Registration to the Secretary of State (on or before July 1st)
N.J.S.A. 19:31-2
**In counties where there is a Superintendent of Elections, that office serves as the Commissioner of Registration; in all other counties it is the County Board of Election.
July 8
Publication of Notice of Fire District Nomination Petition Filing Deadline by the Board of Fire Commissioners (21 days prior to the nomination petition filing deadline) N.J.S.A. 40A:14-72(c)
July 29 – 4 p.m.
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for Independent Electors of President and Vice President for General Election
(before 4:00 p.m. of the 99th day preceding the general election)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-9
July 29 – 4 p.m.
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for School & Fire District Election Candidates for General Election (last Monday in July) N.J.S.A. 19:60-7; N.J.S.A. 40A:14-71b
August
August 1
Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for Independent Electors of President and Vice President Candidates (3 days after filing deadline) N.J.S.A. 19:13-13
August 1
Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for School & Fire District Election Candidates
(3 days after filing deadline)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-13
August 2 – 4 p.m.
Filing Deadline for Objections to Nomination Petitions for Electors of President and Vice President Candidates (no later than 4 days after filing deadline) N.J.S.A. 19:13-10
August 2 – 4 p.m.
Filing Deadline for Objections to Nomination Petitions for School & Fire District Election Candidates (no later than 4 days after filing deadline) N.J.S.A. 19:13-10
August 5
Deadline for Submission of Proposed Amendments to the State Constitution to be Voted Upon at the General Election (not less than 3 months prior to submission to the voters) NJ Constitution, Article IX, par. 3
August 7
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge Independent Electors of President and Vice President (9 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions) N.J.S.A. 19:13-11
August 7
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for Fire District Election Candidates for General Election (9 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions) N.J.S.A. 40A:14-71b
August 8
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for School Election Candidates for General Election (10 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions) N.J.S.A. 19:60-7
August 9
Deadline for Secretary of State to Submit to the County Clerks the Statement of All Duly Nominated Candidates for General Election (not later than 88 days before election) N.J.S.A. 19:13-22
August 9
Deadline for Submission of Non-binding County and Municipal Public Questions to the County Clerks for Printing on the General Election Ballot (88 days before election) N.J.S.A. 19:37-1
August 10
Deadline for Filing in Superior Court to Protect School & Fire District Election Candidate’s Rights (12 days after petition filing deadline) N.J.S.A. 19:60-7; N.J.S.A. 40A:14-71b
August 12- 3 p.m.
Drawing of Ballot Position for General Election Candidates by the County Clerks
(85 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:14-12
August 16
Deadline for Independent Candidates to Decline Nomination for General Election
(81 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-16
August 16
Deadline for Withdrawal of School Board & Fire District Candidates
(81 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:60-7
August 22
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for New Nomination Petition to fill a Vacancy for Independent Candidates and School Election & Fire District Candidates for the General Election (before 4:00 p.m. on or before 75th day prior to election)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-19
August 22
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for Municipal Non-Partisan Candidates to be voted at the November General Election (on or before 75th day prior to election) N.J.S.A. 40:45-8
August 23
Deadline for Submission to the County Clerk of Municipal Non-binding Public Questions Adopted by the Municipal Governing Body Upon the filing of a Qualified Petition by the Local Electorate (74 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:37-1.1
August 23
Deadline to Submit Public Question for November School Board Elections to the County Clerk by the School Board Secretary (74 days before election) N.J.S.A. 19:60-4
August 26
Filing Deadline for Objections to Nominating Petitions for Municipal Non-Partisan Candidates
(no later than 4 days after filing deadline)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-10
August 26
Deadline for Amendment to Defective Petitions for Municipal Non-Partisan Candidates to be voted at the November General Election (not later than 72 days before election) N.J.S.A. 40:45-9
August 27
Deadline for Submission of Public Questions (Other Than Proposed Amendments to the NJ Constitution) (not less than 70 days following final action of the Governor or the Legislature) NJ Constitution, Article II, Sec. 1, P. 2
August 27
Last Day Vacancy Can Occur for Primary Election Nominees for the General Election
(70 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-20
August 29
Deadline for Filling Primary Nominee Vacancy for General Election
(68 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:13-20
August 31
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge to Municipal Non-Partisan Candidates to be Voted at the November General Election (9 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions) N.J.S.A. 19:13-11
September
September 2*
Deadline for Preparation of Official General Election Ballot for Printing
(64 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:14-1
* County Commissioner of Registration is to provide notice to the two County Chairpersons of the date to inspect voting machines after they have been prepared for the upcoming election. This date will vary from county to county. N.J.S.A. 19:48-6
September 10
Publication of Notice of Mail-In Ballot Availability for General Election by County Clerks
(prior to the 55th day before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-6
September 15 - October 14
Publication of Notice of General Election by County Boards of Election
(within 30 days before the close of registration election)
N.J.S.A. 19:12-7
September 21
Commencement of Mailing of Mail-In Ballots for General Election
(45 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-5, N.J.S.A. 19:63-9
October
October 15
Voter Registration Deadline for General Election
(21 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:31-6
October 15
Mandated Evening Voter Registration Available for General Election in Offices of County Commissioners of Registration (optional for Municipal Clerks) (21 days before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:31-2
October 22
Deadline for Filing of Challenger Appointments for General Election
(second Tuesday preceding election)
N.J.S.A. 19:7-3
October 23
Mailing of Sample Ballots for General Election
(on or before 12 noon on Wednesday preceding the start of the early voting period for the general election)
N.J.S.A. 19:14-25
October 26 - November 3
Early Voting Period
(start on the 10th calendar day before a general election and end on the second calendar day before that general election)
N.J.S.A. 19:15A-1
October 27 - November 2
Publication of Notice of General Election by County Boards of Election
(once during the calendar week prior to election)
N.J.S.A. 19:12-7
October 29
Publication of Challenge and Complaint Procedures for General Election by County Boards of Election (7 days before election) N.J.S.A. 19:12-9
October 29
Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election
(not less than 7 days prior to election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-3
October 31
Last Recommended Day for Testing of Electronic Scanning Equipment for Tabulation of Paper Ballots for General Election (A county board of elections may begin opening the inner envelopes for each mail-in ballot and canvassing each mail-in ballot from the inner envelope no earlier than five days prior to the day of the election-November 5) (notice to be given 48 hours prior to the start of testing)
N.J.S.A. 19:53A-8; 19:63-22 (b)
November
November 1
Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters (4th day before election) N.J.S.A. 19:59-4
November 4 – by 3:00 p.m.
Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election
(up to 3:00 p.m. on the day before election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-3
November 4
Publication of Challenge and Complaint Procedures for General Election by County Boards of Election (1 day before election) N.J.S.A. 19:12-9
November 5
General Election
(Tuesday after first Monday in November)
N.J.S.A. 19:2-3, N.J.S.A. 19:15-2
November 5
Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the General Election
November 5
Deadline for in Person Submission of General Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election and to Authorized Ballot Drop Boxes (by 8:00 p.m. on the day of election) N.J.S.A. 19:63-16; N.J.S.A. 19:63-16.1e
November 5 - November 18
Impoundment Period for Voting Machines Used in the General Election that are exempted by
paragraph (2) of subsection b. of R.S. 19:48-1
(13 days following the closure and locking of the voting machines to comply with P.L. 2023, c.124)
N.J.S.A. 19:52-6
November 7
Deadline for Receipt by County Boards of Elections of Mail-In Ballots by delivery of the United States Postal Service that DO NOT Bear a Postmark of Delivery
(no later than 48 hours (2 days) after the time of the closing of the polls for the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-2
November 11
Deadline for Receipt of Timely Mailed Postmarked Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election
(no later than 144 hours (6 days) after the time of the closing of the polls for the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-22
November 16
Deadline for Receipt of Cure Form to County Boards of Election
(within 11 days after the general election)
N.J.S.A. 19:63-17
November 18
Deadline for Applications for Recheck of Voting Machines Used in the General Election that are exempted by paragraph (2) of subsection b. of R.S. 19:48-1 (within 13 days after election) N.J.S.A. 19:52-6
November 20
Meeting of County Board of Canvassers for General Election
(15 days after the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:19-1; N.J.S.A. 19:19-4; N.J.S.A. 19:19-6
November 20
Deadline for Preparation of Emergency and Provisional Ballot Reports by Each County Board of Election for the General Election
(within 15 days after the election or the day of the certification of the results of the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:53B-21; N.J.S.A. 19:53C-21
November 23
Deadline for Recount Applications for General Election
(within 3 days after the certification of the results of the election)
N.J.S.A. 19:28-1
November 25
Deadline for County Clerk to transmit Official General Election Results to the Secretary of State (5 days after the meeting of the board) N.J.S.A. 19:19-13; N.J.S.A. 19:20-6
December 3
Municipal Non-Partisan Run-Off Election
(Tuesday next after the first Monday in December)
N.J.S.A. 40:45-19
December 5
Deadline for Meeting of Board of State Canvassers to Certify General Election Results
(on or before the 30th day after election)
N.J.S.A. 19:21-1
December 7
Deadline for Filing of Election Contest Petitions for General Election
(not later than 32 days after election)
N.J.S.A. 19:29-3
December 15
Deadline for County Boards of Election to Submit Early Voting Plan to the Secretary of State
(December 15 of each year; changes can be made no later than February 1 of each year)
N.J.S.A.19:15A-1
June 8
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for Independent Candidates for General Election
(before 4:00 p.m. of the day of the primary election)
June 8
School & Fire District to Submit Notice to County Clerks of Available Offices for Upcoming
General Election
(on or before primary election)
June 11
Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for Independent General Election Candidates
(3 days after filing deadline)
June 14
Filing Deadline for Objections to Nomination Petitions for Independent General Election
Candidates
(no later than 4 days after filing deadline)
June 17
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for Independent General Election Candidates
(9 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions)
July 1
Submission of Evening Registration Plan by County Commissioners of Registration to
the Secretary of State
(on or before July 1st)
July 5
Publication of Notice of Fire District Nomination Petition Filing Deadline by the Board of Fire Commissioners
(21 days prior to the nomination petition filing deadline)
July 26
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for School & Fire District Election Candidates for General Election
(last Monday in July)
July 29
Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for School & Fire District Election Candidates
(3 days after filing deadline)
July 30
Filing Deadline for Objections to Nomination Petitions for School & Fire District Election
Candidates
(no later than 4 days after filing deadline)
August 2
Deadline for Submission of Proposed Amendments to the State Constitution to be Voted Upon at the General Election
(not less than 3 months prior to submission to the voters)
August 5
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for School & Fire District Election Candidates for General Election
(10 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions)
August 7
Deadline for Filing in Superior Court to Protect School & Fire District Election Candidate’s
Rights
(12 days after petition filing deadline)
August 8
Deadline for Secretary of State to Submit to the County Clerks the Statement of All Duly
Nominated Candidates for General Election
(not later than 86 days before election)
August 9- 3 p.m.
Drawing of Ballot Position for General Election Candidates by the County Clerks
(85 days before election)
August 13
Deadline for Submission of Non-binding County and Municipal Public Questions to the County Clerks for Printing on the General Election Ballot
(81 days before election)
August 24
Deadline for Submission of Public Questions (Other Than Proposed Amendments to the NJ Constitution)
(not less than 70 days following final action of the Governor or the Legislature)
August 24
Deadline for Independent Candidates to Decline Nomination for General Election
(70 days before election)
August 24
Deadline for Withdrawal of School Board & Fire District Candidates
(70 days before election)
August 27
Deadline for Submission to the County Clerk of Municipal Non-binding Public Questions
Adopted by the Municipal Governing Body Upon the filing of a Qualified Petition by the Local Electorate
(67 days before election)
August 30
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for New Nomination Petition to fill a Vacancy for
Independent Candidates and School Election & Fire District Candidates for the General
Election
(before 4:00 p.m. on or before 64th day prior to election)
August 30
Nomination Petition Filing Deadline for Municipal Non-Partisan Candidates to be voted at the November General Election
(on or before 64th day prior to election)
September 2
Deadline for Amendment to Defective Petitions for Municipal Non-Partisan Candidates to be voted at the November General Election
(not later than 61 days before election)
September 3
Deadline to Submit Public Question for November School Board Elections to the County Clerk by the School Board Secretary
(60 days before election)
September 3
Filing Deadline for Objections to Nominating Petitions for Municipal Non-Partisan Candidates
(no later than 4 days after filing deadline)
September 7
Last Day Vacancy Can Occur for Primary Election Nominees for the General Election
(56 days before election)
September 8
Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge to Municipal Non-Partisan Candidates to be Voted at the November General Election
(9 days after the last day for filing nomination petitions)
September 9
Deadline for Filling Primary Nominee Vacancy for General Election
(54 days before election)
September 12 - October 11
Publication of Notice of General Election by County Boards of Election
(within 30 days before the close of registration election)
September 13*
Deadline for Preparation of Official General Election Ballot for Printing
(50 days before election)
* County Commissioner of Registration is to provide notice to the two County Chairpersons of the date to inspect voting
machines after they have been prepared for the upcoming election. This date will vary from county to county.
September 18
Commencement of Mailing of Mail-In Ballots for General Election
(45 days before election)
October 12
Voter Registration Deadline for General Election
(21 days before election)
October 12
Mandated Evening Voter Registration Available for General Election in Offices of County
Commissioners of Registration
(optional for Municipal Clerks)
(21 days before election)
October 19
Deadline for Filing of Challenger Appointments for General Election
(second Tuesday preceding election)
October 24 - October 30
Publication of Notice of General Election by County Boards of Election
(once during the calendar week prior to election)
October 26
Publication of Challenge and Complaint Procedures for General Election by County Boards of Election
(7 days before election)
October 26
Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election
(not less than 7 days prior to election)
October 27
Mailing of Sample Ballots for General Election
(on or before 12 noon on Wednesday preceding the election)
October 29
Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for
Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters
(4th day before election)
November 1 – by 3:00 p.m.
Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election
(up to 3:00 p.m. on the day before election)
November 1
Publication of Challenge and Complaint Procedures for General Election by County Boards of Election
(1 day before election)
November 2
General Election
(Tuesday after first Monday in November)
November 2
Last Day for Testing of Electronic Scanning Equipment for Tabulation of Paper Ballots for
General Election
(day of election)(notice to be given 48 hours prior to the start of testing)
November 2
Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the General Election
November 2
Deadline for in Person Submission of General Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of
Election
(by 8:00 p.m. on the day of election)
November 3 - November 19
Impoundment Period for Voting Machines Used in the General Election
(17 days following election) (to comply with P.L. 2018, c.72)
November 4
Deadline for Receipt of Timely Mailed Postmarked Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election
(no later than 48 hours after the time of the closing of the polls for the election)
November 10
Meeting of County Board of Canvassers for General Election
(8 days after the election)
November 15
Deadline for County Clerk to transmit Official General Election Results to the Secretary of
State
(5 days after the meeting of the board)
November 19
Deadline for Recount Applications for General Election
(within 17 days after election)
November 19
Deadline for Applications for Recheck of Voting Machines Used in the General Election
(within 17 days after election) (to comply with P.L. 2018, c.72)
November 19
Deadline for Preparation of Emergency and Provisional Ballot Reports by Each County Board of Election for the General Election
(within 17 days after the election or 3 days after the certification of the results of the election)
December 2
Deadline for Meeting of Board of State Canvassers to Certify General Election Results
(on or before the 30th day after election)
December 4
Deadline for Filing of Election Contest Petitions for General Election
(not later than 32 days after election)
December 7
Municipal Non-Partisan Run-Off Election
(Tuesday next after the first Monday in December)