The 2025 New Jersey elections are almost here, and they’re shaping up to be a big deal for voters across the state. If you want your voice heard, it’s worth knowing the terminology, deadlines, and procedures.
This year, the spotlight’s on the gubernatorial contest: Republican Jack Ciattarelli versus Democrat Mikie Sherrill. Voters can choose from mail-in ballots, early voting, or heading to the polls on Election Day. But with all these options, it’s easy to lose track of deadlines.
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Let’s break down the essentials, clear up some election jargon, and give Jersey City folks the details they’ll actually use.
Key Election Terms Every Voter Should Know
Election season brings its own vocabulary, and knowing the basics helps you feel ready when it’s time to vote. Here are some terms that come up a lot:
- Ballot: The official paper or form where you mark your choices.
- Candidate: Someone running for office.
- General Election: The main statewide vote, usually held in November.
- Incumbent: The person currently holding the office and running again.
- Municipal: Anything related to city or town government.
- Runoff: A follow-up election if nobody gets enough votes to win the first time.
New Jersey holds both partisan and non-partisan elections. In partisan elections, political parties are involved, while non-partisan races skip the party labels.
Primaries here are closed, so only registered party members can vote in their party’s primary. Not everyone loves that setup, but that’s how it works.
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Understanding Slates and Non-Partisan Voting
In some city races—especially the non-partisan ones—candidates sometimes form slates. Basically, a slate is a group running as a team, backing each other to improve their odds.
When you look at your local ballot, you might notice these groupings. They can definitely sway how people vote, even if you’re not sure which slate lines up with your views.
How and When to Vote in the 2025 Election
Figuring out your voting plan early is a smart move. You don’t want to miss a deadline by accident.
New Jersey lets you vote by mail, no excuse needed. You can grab mail-in ballot applications from the Division of Elections website.
Here are the big deadlines for 2025:
- October 14: Last day to register to vote.
- October 25 – November 2: Early voting is open.
- October 28: County Clerks need to receive your mail-in ballot application by this date.
- November 3 by 3 PM: Final in-person chance to request a mail-in ballot before Election Day.
Resources for Every Voter
New Jersey offers voting materials in several languages, which is great for such a diverse state. If you need voter registration forms, ballot applications, or district maps, stick with the official state websites—they’re your safest bet.
What This Means for Jersey City Residents
Jersey City stands out as one of New Jersey’s largest and most diverse districts. Local voters should check out polling locations in advance, look over sample ballots, and decide whether to vote in person or by mail.
If you’re coming in from out of town, there are plenty of Jersey City hotels near major voting sites. Handy for campaign teams, observers, or friends visiting for political events.
Pairing Civic Engagement with Local Exploration
If you’re planning a trip during election season, why not soak up some local energy while you’re at it? When checking out where to stay in Jersey City, think about staying near lively neighborhoods or close to the city’s best spots.
While you’re handling your civic duty, you might as well enjoy a few things to do in Jersey City. Take a walk along the waterfront at Exchange Place or grab a meal in the Historic Downtown—there’s honestly no shortage of food options.
If you’re figuring out getting to Jersey City from elsewhere in New Jersey or even from out of state, you’ve got choices. The PATH train, NJ Transit, and ferries all make the trip pretty straightforward, even when election crowds pick up.
Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re just dropping in for election week, knowing the voting process helps you make your voice heard. Plus, it’s a solid excuse to get a better feel for the community.
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Here is the source article for this story: New Jersey General Election 2025: Election Vocabulary
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