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Advocacy & Legislative Affairs
Voter Registration
The greatest advocacy initiative an individual can take part in is the election process. Whether you consider yourself a Democrat, Republican, Independent, conservative, moderate or liberal, the most powerful method of showing your support for an elected official or candidate is by voting.
The right to vote is guaranteed to every American citizen by the United States Constitution, and all that a New Jersey resident need do to exercise this right is to fill out a registration form.
The form itself is quite short and simply requires name and address information. It is important to remember that every time your address changes, your voter registration card must be updated to reflect the change.
The New Jersey Hospital Association does not tell individuals how to vote, however the association does urge all New Jersey residents, especially hospital employees, to take the time to learn about candidates and vote for individuals who best represent their opinions and interests.
At a time when hospitals are increasingly targeted for funding reductions by both state and federal officials, it is crucial that all hospital employees go to the polls and let their voices be heard. It is very difficult to convince an elected official of the damaging effects of a piece of legislation if the people effected -- hospital employees -- are not represented in the voting booth.
Who Can Register to Vote?
Any person may register to vote who is:
- 18 years of age by election day
- A resident of the state and the county at least 30 days prior to the election
- Not denied the right to vote because of "idiocy, insanity, serving a sentence or on parole or probation" (NJSA 19:4-1, 19:31-5)
When Must You Register Again?- If you have not voted in an election within the last four years
- If you have moved more than 30 days prior to an election, in which case you must re-register and mark the change-of-address box located in section one of the voter registration form.
Do You Have to Register With a Party to Vote?You only have to register as a Democrat or Republican if you would like to vote in either party's primary. If you have never voted in a primary, you become a member of the party when you vote in your first primary. If you voted in a primary before and want to change your party affiliation, you must file a Party Declaration Form, which we can provide at your request.
What Type of Assistance Is Available to Voters Who Are Blind, Disabled or Not Able to Read or Write?Persons wishing to register to vote but who are unable to read English, are blind or otherwise unable to interpret the registration form may receive assistance in completing the form. There are no rules governing who that person may be. Do note, however, that Voter Registration Applications are available in Spanish.
Any voter who needs assistance to vote by reason of blindness, disability or inability to read or write may be given assistance at the voting polls by a person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter's union.
Completion of Application FormsThe voter registration application must be completed in ballpoint pen or marker. The registrant must complete sections 1 through 10. The information requested of the registrant includes name, address and date of birth; phone number is optional. If the individual has previously registered to vote, he or she is to indicate under what name and address. Registrants must sign, or provide a signature mark, attesting to the truth of all statements provided on the application form.
If you are not registered to vote where you now live, you may register by printing and completing the form above. Mail the completed form to your County Commissioner of Elections.
For more information about voter registration or with questions contact: legislativeaffairs@njha.com
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