In-person early voting officially began for the November 4 general election in New Jersey, offering a convenient alternative to Election Day crowds in what is shaping up to be one of the nation’s most-watched off-year contests.
The early voting window runs through Sunday, November 2, with sites open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Every one of the state’s 21 counties has designated multiple locations—ranging from three in smaller counties like Warren to as many as 11 in Union County—allowing voters to cast ballots on voting machines at any site within their county, regardless of their home municipality. No appointments are required, and most voters won’t need to show ID unless they are first-time participants who registered by mail.
This marks the fourth general election since New Jersey expanded access with in-person early voting in 2021, a move aimed at boosting participation by offering more flexible options for voters.
As of Friday, more than 439,000 vote-by-mail ballots had already been returned, signaling strong early engagement ahead of Election Day.
At the top of the ballot is the race for governor, where Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill is leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli in recent polls, though the contest remains close. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, is pitching herself as a moderate unifier focused on affordability, education and climate resilience. Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and businessman who narrowly lost to Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, is emphasizing tax cuts, school choice and a crackdown on crime to appeal to suburban independents.
Campaigns on both sides have shattered spending records, with outside groups pouring millions into ads amid national attention. High-profile surrogates, including President Donald Trump—who urged early turnout during a Friday tele-town hall—and former President Barack Obama have stumped for their parties’ nominees.
Voters will also decide all 80 seats in the state Assembly (a full slate every two years), as well as a special election for the 35th District state Senate seat. Local races for county offices, school boards and municipal positions round out the ballot in many areas.