Register To Vote By Tues. Oct. 15th Election Day Tues. Nov. 5, 2024

As the General Election on November 5, 2024, approaches, voters in the Town of Harrison, NJ, will notice that none of their local officials—neither the Mayor nor the Town Council members—are on the ballot this year. This is no coincidence. When the New Jersey State Legislature changed local municipal election schedules from every two years to every four years, they deliberately staggered these local elections to avoid coinciding with Presidential elections.

The rationale behind this decision was clear: during Presidential and Federal elections, voter turnout is typically much higher than during local elections. While local officials can have a significant impact on residents' daily lives, such as overseeing local ordinances, public safety, and municipal services, these elections often see lower turnout due to their separation from high-profile national races. This lower voter turnout gives an advantage to incumbent candidates.

The Importance Of Casting Your Vote

With the General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, it’s crucial to remember the importance of casting your vote. Voting gives you a voice in deciding the future leadership of the nation, from the Presidential seat to Federal and State Legislative offices. This year, while the Town of Harrison does not have local elections, the stakes are high as the Presidential Election and several other critical offices are up for grabs. Polling places across New Jersey will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, giving you plenty of time to participate in this democratic process.

Register Online Until October 15th

For those who are not yet registered, you still have a window of opportunity to ensure your eligibility. The deadline for voter registration in New Jersey is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. This applies whether you plan to vote in person or by mail. You can register online, by mail, or in person at your local county elections office. If you are not sure whether you are registered to vote, you can check your voter registration status online.

Qualifications To Register To Vote

To be eligible to register, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 17 years old (you can pre-register if you will be 18 by Election Day), and a resident of your county for at least 30 days before the election. Additionally, you must not be serving a sentence, probation, or parole for a felony conviction.

Early Voting On A Voting Machine With PaperTrail

If you’d like to vote early, New Jersey offers an in-person early voting period from Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3, 2024, allowing you flexibility in casting your ballot. Take advantage of this opportunity if you wish to avoid Election Day lines. Early voting is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. No appointment is necessary.  Accommodations for Disabled Persons will be made.

The Town of Harrison does not have an Early Voting Location.  The nearest Early Voting Location is in the Town Hall of Kearny located at 402 Kearny Avenue, Kearny NJ right up Frank E. Rodgers Blvd heading North.  In addition, there are several voting places in Jersey City if you commute or work in Jersey City. Check on this page and click Hudson County to reveal Early Voting Locations in Jersey City.

When you cast an Early Vote, you will be using the same In-Person Voting Machines used on election day that have a paper trail in case of a challenge of the electronic tally of the Voting Machine. The machine prints onto paper to be displayed and confirmed as accurate by the voter and then stores that paper in case of a challenge to the electronically recorded votes transmitted to the Hudson County Clerk in Hudson County on Election Day. You can see the machine online by clicking this link.

Voting is your right and responsibility as a citizen. Be sure to check your voter registration status, research the candidates, and mark your calendar for November 5. Let your voice be heard!

Not Sure Of Your Voting Poll Location?

If you are not sure of your Voting Poll Location, it is printed on the Sample Ballot that you should have received from the County of Hudson in the mail.  If you didn't receive a ballot, you can go online and put your address in and it will provide you with your voting location Ward & District so you will be equipped to request that Ward & District from Poll workers and be directed to that Wards & District sign-in table and Voting Machine.

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