BERNARDS TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
For Bernards, For You
Voter Information Center
When Ronald Reagan said “The right to vote is the crown jewel of the American liberties” he understood that voting is the primary right by which all of our other rights are secured. Thus, voting is not simply a right and privilege, but also a responsibility.
This year, due to the Governor’s Executive Order , voting will primarily be by mail. The following link explains the step by step process for voting by mail this November.
Please exercise this important right, privilege and responsibility. You owe it to yourselves, those you love and those that fought and sacrificed for our sacred right to vote to make your voice heard. We will update this website as further details and information becomes available regarding the location of drop boxes and polling places and any other information we feel will assist the residents of Bernards.
Thank you.
Mayor Jim Baldassare and Kate Grochala
The Somerset County Clerk's office has certified the list of polling places for the election on Nov. 3rd. They have also certified our secure dropbox location at the Bernards Township Municipal building at 1 Collyer Lane.
We will have two polling location open in town:
Bernards Township Community Center Garage, 289 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge (Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 17)
Fellowship Deaconry, 3575 Valley Rd, Basking Ridge (Districts 4, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18-24)
1. How can I register to vote?
Visit the State Division of Elections to register, https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register, and complete the form by October 13, 2020. In 2020, the New Jersey Legislature passed online voter registration.
2. Am I already registered to vote?
Check with the State Division of Elections to confirm you are registered: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/registration-check
3. When will I receive my ballot?
Somerset County Clerk will begin mailing out ballots around September 19th and mailed out by October 5th. If you do not receive your ballot, contact the Clerk directly: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/elected-officials/county-clerk
4. How do I cast my vote, once I receive my ballot?
Return your ballot immediately by:
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Putting it in your mailbox. It needs to be postmarked before 8 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
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Putting it in the Bernards Secure Drop Box at the Municipal Building, 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge by November 3rd.
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Delivering it to the Board of Elections at 20 Grove Street, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876-9977 by November 3rd.
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Delivering it to your polling location on Election Day, either Bernards Township Community Center Garage, 289 South Maple Avenue or Fellowship Deaconry, 3575 Valley Rd, Basking Ridge between 6 am to 8 pm
5. Will I be able to vote in person?
We recommend you deliver your ballot to the Secure Drop Box in towns, or the County Board of Elections prior to Election Day. However, at least one polling location per municipality must be open to voters who wish to vote in person. Votes will be cast provisionally to prevent voters from voting twice. All registered voters will receive a mailing with the location information, and it will be posted online. Once all vote by mail ballots are counted, and the Board of Elections confirms you did not vote by mail, your provisional ballot will be counted.
6. How do I know my vote will be counted?
There is an equal amount of Republican and Democrat representatives on the Board of Elections who help process and count each ballot. You can call the Board of Elections to make sure your ballot was received or track your ballot to make sure it arrives on time by visiting: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/auth/sign-in.
7. Can I deliver my ballot in person?
We recommend you deliver your ballot to the Secure Drop Box in towns, or the County Board of Elections prior to Election Day. However, you can hand deliver your ballot to the County Board of Elections at 20 Grove Street, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876-9977 by November 3rd. You can also hand deliver your ballot to your polling location on Election Day, the Bernards Township Community Center Garage, 289 South Maple Avenue or Fellowship Deaconry, 3575 Valley Rd, Basking Ridge between 6 am to 8 pm.
8. Is there a difference between a Vote by Mail ballot and an Absentee Ballot?
No. In New Jersey, all ballots for the General Election are the same.
9. Will my ballot identify my party affiliation on the envelope?
No. In the General Election, the envelope for your ballot does not identify your party affiliation.
Other Helpful Resources:
https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/elected-officials/county-clerk/election-division