October 10, 2016
Time is running out to register to vote in the upcoming Nov. 8 election. Here are the steps you need to take in Pennsylvania and New Jersey if you aren't already registered to have your voice heard.
On this year's ballot in Pennsylvania, registered voters will be able to cast a vote for president, vice president, U.S. senator, 18 U.S. House representatives, state attorney general, auditor general, treasurer, state senators in odd-numbered districts and all state House representatives.
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania is Tuesday, Oct. 11. You must be a United States citizen, a resident of Pennsylvania for at least 30 days prior the election and be at least 18 years old to be eligible to vote in this year's election.
If you are unsure about your registration status, check the Department of State's website.
Not registered or need to update your registration? You have the following options to register:
• Online: Complete this application (You must have a state-issued identification or driver's license to register online).
• Text: To receive a link to register online, send "PA" to "2Vote" (28683).
• Mail: Download and print this form. Send the completed form to your county voter registration office. The request must be postmarked by Oct. 11.
• In person: Visit your county voter registration office or any PennDOT Driver's License Center.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot in Pennsylvania is Tuesday, Nov. 1. This option is limited to residents who are unable to attend their polling place and current military members.
Complete this form and send it to your county voter registration office.
Voted ballots must be received by the county election office by Friday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.
For more information, read the state's frequently asked questions page about voting.
On this year's ballot in New Jersey, eligible voters will be able to cast a vote for president, vice president, eight U.S. House seats and more.
The deadline to register to vote in New Jersey is Tuesday, Oct. 18. You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state for at least 30 days before the election, be at least 17 years old and not serving a prison sentence, probation or parole due to a felony conviction to register to vote. Despite needing to be only 17 to register, you must be 18 years old by Nov. 8 to vote in this year's election.
If you are unsure about your registration status, check the Department of State's website.
Not registered or need to update your registration? You have the following options to register:
• Mail: Fill out your county's voter registration application, which can be found here. Send the completed form to your county's Commissioner of Registration or the Superintendent of Elections. The request must be postmarked by Oct. 18.
• In person: Visit your county's Commissioner of Registration or the Superintendent of Elections.
The deadline to request to vote by mail ballot in New Jersey is Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Complete your county's form and send it the county clerk. Voted ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
For more information, visit the state's Division of Elections website.
