2026 New Jersey Primary Election: Early Voting and Key Races to Watch
Early voting for the 2026 primary election in New Jersey is currently underway until Sunday, May 31. This early voting period allows Democrats and Republicans to select nominees for various positions, including U.S. Senator, U.S. House of Representatives, and local offices. Polls are open from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.
Key races to watch in this primary election include Democratic House contests in the 7th and 12th districts and the GOP race for U.S. Senate to challenge U.S. Senator Cory Booker. There are also competitive congressional races in districts like the 2nd, 8th, 3rd, and 9th.
Voters can cast their ballots at any designated in-person early voting location in their registered county. Unaffiliated voters can declare a party at the polls. If you encounter any issues with voting, you can present your case to a Superior Court Judge during the early voting period.
First-time voters and those who have changed their address or name since registering must follow specific procedures to ensure their votes are counted. It is essential to bring proper identification to the polls and address any discrepancies promptly.
Voters have the right to cast provisional ballots if they believe they are entitled to vote but face challenges at the polling place. If you encounter any issues or intimidation while voting, you can report them to the New Jersey Voter Information and Assistance line or the ACLU hotline.
In addition to early voting, voters can also opt for mail-in ballots, which must be postmarked by June 10 and delivered to the county Board of Elections by June 16. On Election Day, polling locations will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM. Attorney General Matt Platkin has provided resources to address voting rights questions and ensure free and fair elections in New Jersey.
It is crucial for voters to be informed about their rights and options during the election process. By participating in early voting, mail-in voting, or in-person voting on Election Day, New Jersey residents can exercise their fundamental right to vote and contribute to the democratic process.