New Jersey has a meaningful slate of races on the ballot this November, including a competitive congressional contest drawing national attention, county-level races, and local ballot questions in some municipalities. This is a non-partisan guide to what's on the ballot and what every New Jersey voter needs to know.
We Are Jersey is a non-partisan publication. This guide provides factual information to help readers participate in the democratic process — not to advocate for any candidate or party.
The Most Watched Race: NJ's 7th Congressional District
New Jersey's 7th Congressional District race between incumbent Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. and Democratic challenger Sue Serino Bennett has emerged as one of the most competitive and heavily funded congressional races in the country this cycle. InsiderNJ and NJ Spotlight News have reported substantial fundraising activity in the district through October 2026, with national party organizations investing significantly on both sides. The 7th District covers portions of Somerset, Morris, Hunterdon, and Union Counties — a mix of suburban and exurban communities with a voter registration profile that has made it a swing district in recent cycles. To compare the candidates' positions directly: each candidate's official website, vote411.org (League of Women Voters), and in-depth coverage from NJ.com, NJ Spotlight News, and NJ Monitor are the best non-partisan sources.
Other Races on the Ballot
Beyond the 7th District, New Jersey voters will see races across all 12 congressional districts, various county commissioner and freeholder races that vary by county, and local elections and ballot questions where those are on the November calendar. What's on your specific ballot depends entirely on where you live. The New Jersey Voter Information Portal at nj.gov/state/elections lets you look up your polling place, review your sample ballot, and confirm your registration using your name and address.
Registration and Voting
The standard NJ voter registration deadline for November 2026 has passed. However, New Jersey allows same-day voter registration via provisional ballot at your county board of elections on Election Day — contact your county board directly to understand your options.
Early voting locations and hours are set by each county's board of elections. Check your county board website or the NJ Voter Information Portal for dates, times, and locations near you.
Mail-in voting: All registered NJ voters can request a mail-in ballot. Return by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or drop at an official county drop box. County clerks have encouraged using drop boxes rather than mail to ensure ballots are received on time, per NJ Monitor reporting in October 2026.
Election Day: November 3, 2026
Polls are open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM — any voter in line at 8:00 PM is entitled to vote. Bring photo ID if you're a first-time voter who registered by mail without providing ID verification; check the NJ Division of Elections for current ID requirements. Confirm your polling place at nj.gov/state/elections before Election Day.
Voter Resources
NJ Voter Information Portal: nj.gov/state/elections — registration lookup, sample ballots, polling places, early voting
Vote411.org: Non-partisan voter guide from the League of Women Voters
NJ Division of Elections: elections.nj.gov — authoritative source for rules, deadlines, and official information
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Election Day in New Jersey 2026? Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls open 6 AM, close 8 PM.
How do I find my polling place? nj.gov/state/elections — enter your name and address.
Can I still register to vote? Same-day provisional registration is available at your county board of elections on Election Day. Contact your county board for details.
