(Camden, NJ) – In light of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation making significant changes to how the 2020 General Election will be conducted. Voters in Camden County should take appropriate steps to prepare for, and familiarize themselves with, these changes as soon as possible.
The following changes will be in effect for the 2020 General Election:
- To limit unnecessary exposure, the election will be conducted mostly by Vote by Mail (VBM) Ballot.
- There will be limited in-person polling places where voters can cast their vote by paper Provisional Ballots.
- Per the new law, you cannot vote via machine at the polls (there will be an ADA accessible ballot marking devices available for voters that are unable to vote via paper ballot).
For the first time, New Jersey is also now allowing eligible residents to register to vote online. In order to register online, you will need your date of birth and one valid form of identification. More information is available by visiting https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register. New Jersey residents must be registered by Oct. 13, 2020, in order to vote in this election.
“It’s very important that voters know what to expect for this year’s election and that they prepare for the changes in advance,” said County Clerk Joseph Ripa. “Unlike in previous years, every registered voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and anyone who goes to a local polling place will only be able to cast a provisional ballot. It’s also important to remember than unless you have previously signed up to vote by mail in all future elections, you will only be sent a ballot for this election.”
In Camden County, the initial mailing of ballots for voters registered before Sept. 14, is as follows:
- Mailing will begin the week of Sept. 21
- All ballots will be in the mail by Oct. 5
- For efficiency, the larger municipalities will be mailed first while preparing the smaller mailings to be sent closer to the Oct. 5 deadline
- If you do not receive your ballot by Oct. 12, you can visit www.camdencounty.com/vbm2 to request a replacement ballot
All new registrations occurring after Sept. 14 will be sent out shortly after registration.
VBM drop boxes will also be located throughout Camden County in which voters can drop off their ballot. Drop boxes are open 24 hours a day in secure well-lit locations, under constant video surveillance. All five drop box locations from the primary election will remain the same:
Audubon
Municipal Building
606 West Nicholson Road
Chesilhurst
Municipal Building
201 Grant Ave., Waterford Works
Camden
Administration Building
600 Market Street
(Former entrance for Surrogate’s Office on Market Street)
Cherry Hill
Camden County College – William G. Rohrer Campus
Rear of Parking Lot
1889 Marlton Pike East
(Corner of Springdale Road and Marlton Pike East/Route 70 E)
Gloucester Township
Municipal Building
1261 Chews Landing Road
*8 Additional Locations Will Be Published Shortly
More information regarding how to return your VBM ballot, how to track your ballot, and a list of answers to frequently asked questions, can be found by visiting https://www.camdencounty.com/2020-general-election/.