What You Need to Know for Election Day in New Jersey — Nov. 4, 2025

As New Jersey heads to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, voters across the state will decide on major races — from the governor’s office to local municipal seats. Below is your GSG guide for navigating the ballot, deadlines, and what’s at stake.

🕓 When & Where to Vote

• Polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day for in-person voting.
• Early voting is available in many New Jersey counties in the days leading up to Nov. 4, allowing voters to cast ballots ahead of time via voting machines.
• For those using vote-by-mail, ballots must be postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on Nov. 4. Alternatively, ballots may be deposited in secure drop boxes or delivered to a county Board of Elections by that same time.

Note: You cannot return your vote-by-mail ballot at your polling location on Election Day.

Who’s on the Ballot

Governor

The marquee race in New Jersey is for governor. Democrat Mikie Sherrill faces off against Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

State Legislature

All 80 seats in the General Assembly are up for grabs this election.

Local & Municipal Races

One of the local spotlight races is the Jersey City mayoral contest. Current Mayor Steven Fulop is not running for re-election as he seeks higher office. If no candidate captures a majority, a runoff election will be held on Dec. 2.

Sample Ballots & Local Details

Each county (and in many cases, each municipality) publishes a sample ballot to help you see exactly who and what is on your ballot before voting. For example, Union County makes its sample ballots publicly available on the county clerk’s website.

These sample ballots list all candidates — for governor, legislative seats, and municipal offices — and often include special questions or referenda if applicable.

Why It Matters

• Governorship: The outcome could shift policies at the state level on education, taxes, infrastructure, and more.
• Legislature control: The party that holds more seats in the Assembly influences what bills pass, and how the governor’s agenda is shaped.
• Local impact: Mayors, town councils, school boards — these offices make decisions that affect your daily life: public safety, roads, zoning, and local budgets.