You can obtain an application from this website, from your municipal clerk’s office or from the Board of Elections office. Return the completed form to the Board of Elections or to your municipal clerk.
Do I need to bring ID with me to register?
If you register in person at the Board of Elections office, you do not need to show identification. If you are registering by mail, you must include your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your social security number on the form.
If I do not include the appropriate ID with my mailed in registration, will I still be able to vote?
Yes. When you go to the polls on Election Day, your signature block in the poll book will have be flagged with **ID REQUIRED**. Upon showing the poll worker the appropriate ID you will be permitted to vote on the voting machine. If proper ID is not shown, you will still be permitted to vote by Provisional Ballot. You must then provide the proper ID to the Board of Elections within 48 hours of Election Day or your ballot will not be counted.
Can I register my child attending college?
You can forward the application to your child’s college address, but your child must complete the application, as his/her original signature is required.
Can a voter application be mailed to my residence?
If you do not have printer capabilities to download the form from this website, you can email your address to the Board of Elections and request an application be sent to your home.
How do I change or declare a party affiliation?
You may download the party affiliation card or email your address to the Board of Elections and request a party affiliation card be sent to your home. Complete and sign the form and return it to the Board of Elections.
How can I find my polling location?
You can find your polling location on our website and/or the lower left hand corner of your Sample Ballot.
How long are the polls open on Election Day?
Polls are open from 6:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. for the Primary and General Elections. Poll hours for School Board Elections and Special Elections will be posted on this website as well as in the Courier News. You may also contact your local school board. You may also contact your municipal clerk.
How do I become a poll worker?
You must fill out an application and return to our office. You may either download a poll worker application from this website or email your request complete with your address to the Board of Elections and an application will be mailed to your home.
Do I have to be trained to be a poll worker?
Yes. Every poll worker must attend a training class once every two years to be eligible for full pay.
What time do I have to report for work?
Poll workers must be at their assigned location at 5:15 a.m. to prepare for the opening of the polls at 6:00 a.m. for the primary and general elections. The poll times for the Municipal elections and School elections are at the discretion of the municipality and school board respectively.
Will I get a lunch and/or dinner break?
Each member is entitled to 1 one-hour break between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
What if I’ve been assigned to work, but something comes up last minute that prohibits me working?
Please notify the Board of Elections as soon as possible so that a replacement poll worker may be found.
What type of voting machine is used in Somerset County?
Somerset County uses the ExpressVote XL, a direct recording, electronic (DRE) voting machine manufactured by Election Systems & Software. The ExpressVote XL is easy to use and offers the highest level of accuracy and security.
Are the Somerset County voting machines suitable for handicapped individuals?
Yes. The ExpressVote XL is completely wheelchair accessible with no election officer intervention.
In the event of a power outage can the voting machines still operate?
Yes. A built- in 14+ hour battery provides uninterrupted use of the ExpressVote XL. Power switches from AC to DC automatically in the event of a power failure.
How are the voting machines tested?
Diagnostic testing occurs automatically every time the machine is turned on. Continual background testing verifies correct system operation and data integrity.
Logic and Accuracy tests are performed prior to the current election and a record is placed in storage. Operator logs document all system activity during the pre-election, election, and post-election cycle.
How are recorded votes stored?
After a voter presses the cast vote button, the vote is processed using multiple independent data paths. Votes are randomized and stored three different ways to assure absolute secrecy of the vote, absolute accuracy in vote counting, and absolute verifiability of results.
Can I write in a candidate not shown on the ballot?
Yes. The ExpressVote XLmachine has a write-in keyboard that allows a voter to enter the name of a personal choice candidate.
How can I confirm the selection I made on the voting machine?
After touching "Print Ballot", the printed card will appear in the preview window. After confirming your ballot is correct, then touch the "Cast" button. Your ballot will then be deposited into the secure card container and the screen will display "I VOTED".
