There are multiple elections this year. Please select below:
Scotch Plains – Fanwood Special School Election
Special General for the U.S. House of Representative in the 10th Congressional District
Frequently Asked Questions about Sample Ballots:
Why am I getting this sample ballot?
By law, every registered voter must be sent a sample ballot that mirrors the election machine ballot to help familiarize them with the layout.
If I discarded my sample ballot, where can I see it?
Sample ballots are posted on the Union County Clerk’s website (this website, above)
Can I vote the sample ballot?
No, it is not an official ballot. It’s a tool to help a voter become familiar with the election.
Why am I getting this if I already voted by mail?
Not all voters vote and mail their vote-by-mail when they receive it. There can be a significant time lapse. Also, some voters who apply for vote-by-mail ballots decide to vote on Election Day instead. If they do so, they will be voting provisionally or on paper.
Does a provisional ballot count?
Yes, if you are a registered voter and have not sent in a vote-by-mail ballot, a provisional ballot will be counted.
Why is the ballot in two languages?
Federal law requires that ballots be printed in another language— other than English— when the population for that language exceeds 5%, as it does with the Spanish language in Union County.
Do I have to vote the whole column?
You can vote the entire column or select specific candidates.
Can I vote candidates in multiple columns?
In the general election you can choose candidates in different columns. (In the primary election you can only vote the party for which you are registered).
Can I bring the sample ballot with me to the polling place?
Yes, a sample ballot is permitted in the polling location.
Can I vote for more candidates than listed for a particular office?
No, that is an overvote and your vote will not be counted for that office.
Can I vote for fewer candidates than listed?
Yes, if there are three candidates for an office, you can vote for one, two, three or none. Any votes of 3 or less will be counted in this example.
Can I vote for someone not listed?
Yes, when you get to the polling place and enter the election booth look for the Personal Choice column on the ballot, click it, and use the keyboard to write in the first and last name of the person.
Can I vote for myself?
Yes.
Where do I vote?
Look at the address area on your sample ballot. It will list the name and address of your polling location.
How late can I vote?
Voting is from 6am to 8pm.
Can I vote early?
Yes, either by a vote-by-mail ballot or early voting by machine.
How do I get a vote by mail ballot?
You can apply for a vote by mail ballot by downloading the application at unioncountyvotes.com, filling it out, signing and sending it to the County Clerk. Only the voter can sign the application.
Once I apply to receive a vote by mail, can I opt out in the future?
Yes. Simply notify my office in writing.
What is early voting by machine?
Prior to election day, several days are set aside to vote at specific polling places in the county. These dates and polling places are listed on your sample ballot.
I heard that my vote-by-mail ballot is only counted in a tieand sometimes not at all.
No! All vote-by-mail ballots are counted so long as the vbmenvelope is mailed by Election Day and date stamped by the post office.
Do I have to be sick to apply for a vote-by-mail?
No reason is necessary to vote by mail.