Election officials urge residents to check their registration ahead of National Voter Registration Day
ATLANTIC COUNTY — Atlantic County residents who want to vote in the Nov. 3 general election have until Oct. 13 to register, and local election officials are urging voters not to wait until the deadline.
The Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections Office issued the reminder ahead of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 15, encouraging eligible residents to register or verify that their existing registration information is accurate.
“Every eligible voter should feel confident about their ability to participate in our elections,” Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections Maureen Bugdon said. “Our office is here to make sure residents have access to clear, accurate and reliable information.”
Bugdon encouraged residents who aren't certain about their status to contact the office rather than risk encountering a problem closer to Election Day.
“There are no silly questions,” she said. “If you're unsure about your registration or need help navigating the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want to be your official source for election information, and we're absolutely here to help.”
Oct. 13 registration deadline
The New Jersey Division of Elections confirms Oct. 13 as the registration deadline for the 2026 general election. New Jersey requires voters to register at least 21 days before an election.
To register in New Jersey, applicants must be U.S. citizens, be at least 17 years old at the time of registration and turn 18 by Election Day, and meet the state's residency requirements.
Residents can register online, submit a paper application or use the state's voter portal to check whether they are already registered and whether their information is current.
Election officials particularly encourage voters who have recently moved or changed their name to check their information before the election.
“National Voter Registration Day is a great reminder that registering to vote can be a simple and straightforward process,” Deputy Superintendent of Elections Audrey Miles said. “Whether you're registering for the first time, recently moved, or simply want to make sure your information is correct, we encourage you to take a few minutes to check.”
Key dates for the November election
New Jersey's official 2026 election calendar lists several dates voters should know.
Mail-in ballots are scheduled to begin going out Sept. 19. The voter-registration deadline is Oct. 13.
In-person early voting will run from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. Early-voting locations are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Atlantic County currently has early-voting locations designated in Atlantic City, Buena Vista Township, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Hamilton Township, Hammonton and Northfield.
The deadline to apply to receive a mail-in ballot by mail is Oct. 27. Voters may obtain a mail-in ballot in person from their county clerk through 3 p.m. Nov. 2.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polling places open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Check your registration now
Voters can use New Jersey's official Voter Information Portal to register, check their registration status, locate early-voting and Election Day polling locations, find ballot drop boxes and obtain other election information.
New Jersey Voter Information Portal
Atlantic County residents with voter-registration questions may also contact the county Superintendent of Elections Office at 609-645-5882.
The message from county election officials ahead of National Voter Registration Day is simple: Register. Check. Update. Be ready to vote.
