Voters Must Update Their Party Affiliation by April 8th in Order to Participate in the 2026 Primary Election on June 2nd

The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 8^th, in order to participate in their new party's Primary Election on June 2^nd.

"Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day," said Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. "If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 2, 2026 Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 8^th."

Ms. DiRado also wishes to highlight a relatively new law which went in to affect a few years ago. Any unaffiliated voter, who has previously voted in a Primary Election and who has opted to receive a vote by mail ballot for all future elections, or for the June 2 primary election, must declare their party by April 8 in order to receive their vote by mail ballot. Only voters who have never voted in a primary election or first time voters can receive a vote by mail ballot after completing a party affiliation form beyond the April 8 party affiliation deadline.

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation. Voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party's candidates in the June 2^nd primary. The April 8 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls during early voting from May 26 to May 31, 2026 or on June 2, Election Day.