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OCEAN COUNTY VOTERS have several options when it comes to casting their ballot for the Nov. 3 General Election.
Early voting in Ocean County begins October 24 and continues through Nov. 1 at 10 locations throughout the County. Voters may also cast their ballot by mail or vote in person on Election Day, Nov. 3, when polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The deadline to apply for and obtain a vote by mail ballot in person is Nov. 2 by 3 p.m.
Ocean County Clerk John P. Kelly encouraged voters to review the sample ballots mailed to more than 400,000 registered voters throughout Ocean County.
"Voters should carefully review their sample ballots, as they contain important information including polling locations, early voting sites, and Vote by Mail Ballot drop box locations," Kelly said. "Poll workers will also be available to assist voters."
Additional election information is also available on the Ocean County Clerk's website at oceancountyclerk.com.
"The Ocean County Clerk's Office and the Ocean County Board of Elections work diligently to ensure elections in Ocean County are secure, convenient, and run smoothly for all residents," said Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione, liaison to the Ocean County Clerk's Office. "Voting is a fundamental right, and protecting the integrity of every vote cast remains a top priority."
Early voting hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Saturday from Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. Registered voters may cast their ballot at any early voting location in Ocean County.
The 10 early voting locations are: Berkeley Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 30 Station Road, Bayville; Brick Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick Township; Jackson Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson Township; Lacey Township Community Center Room C (formerly the Knights of Columbus Building) 15 East Lacey Road, Lacey Township; Lakewood Municipal Building, Courtroom, 231-3rd St., Lakewood Township; the Upper Shores Branch of the Ocean County Library, 112 Jersey City Ave., Lavallette Boro; Little Egg Harbor Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 290 Mathistown Road, Little Egg Harbor Township; Ocean County Southern Service Center, nutrition hall, 179 South Main Street, Manahawkin; Manchester Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 21 Colonial Drive, Manchester Township; and the main branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Toms River Township.
"Registered voters in Ocean County can cast a ballot at any of the early voting locations," said Kelly. "For instance, if you live in Manahawkin but work in Toms River, you can cast your vote at the main branch of the Ocean County Library during early voting.
"The voting machines are programmed to provide you with the appropriate touch screen ballots for the town you live in," he said.
On Election Day, however, voters need to cast their votes at the poll location noted on their sample ballot.
Deputy County Clerk John Catalano reminded voters that applications for Vote by Mail ballots can be completed by mail or online at the Secretary of State's website: www.elections.nj.gov by October 27 or in person at the Ocean County Clerk's Office, 118 Washington St., Toms River, by 3 p.m. on Nov. 2.
"As of Oct. 15, the Ocean County Clerk's Office has issued 60,940 Vote by Mail Ballots to registered voters for the November 3 General Election," Catalano said. "Of the total issued, 23,868 were issued to Democrats and 22,304 were issued to Republicans. The number of Vote by Mail Ballots returned so far to the Ocean County Board of Elections total 18,967."
Vote by Mail ballots must be returned or postmarked by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 to be counted. Ballots may be returned through the mail, placed in an official drop box, or hand-delivered to the Ocean County Board of Elections, 129 Hooper Ave., Toms River.
Kelly noted that 2026 is a Federal Senate and Congressional Election along with candidates for County Commissioner, local municipal offices, school boards and public questions.
"It is advantageous for all voters to review the sample ballot they received in the mail," said Kelly. "Voters should take time to review this ballot prior to casting their vote."
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