Month: October 2012

Preparing And Recovering From Hurricane Sandy

On Sunday, October 28 Governor Chris Christie held a press briefing and declared a state of emergency in the state of New Jersey. During the news conference he urged New Jersey residents to visit the website of the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership if in need of shelter.

To prepare for Hurricane Sandy, as much as is possible, you may find the following websites to be helpful:

Many of New Jersey’s 21 counties have emergency notification systems. Links to county government websites are available here.

Be cautious. Be safe.

NJ Voter Registration Deadline – October 16

Democracy only works if people participate. In some states it would be correct to say that democracy only works if people are allowed to participate. Fortunately, New Jersey is a state where voter registration is an easy enough process. The purpose of this article is to alert prospective voters as to how to register and to offer links to websites for registration forms and information.

October 16 is the voter registration deadline in New Jersey. Not much time is left if you wish to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6.

The New Jersey Division of Elections has a webpage that provides information on how to register, who can register, where to register, voter frequently asked questions, etc. It’s a perfect place to start and the website gives you all the information you need to know. There you can complete a voter registration application form and mail it to your county election officials or you can complete a statewide voter registration application and mail it to the Division of Elections in Trenton. If you have questions the registration forms suggest you call toll free 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837) or visit Elections.NJ.gov.

Registered voters in New Jersey can vote by mail without needing a reason. Now there is no excuse not to vote. However, the vote by mail application must be received by the County Clerk for the county in which you live by October 30. For complete details visit the Vote By Mail Application webpage of the NJ Division of Elections.

First time voters can learn more by reading a Voting: It’s Your Right developed by the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities and the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey or Voting in New Jersey published by the League of Women Voters of New Jersey.

Information on voter registration in other states is available from a number of sources. Visit Project Vote Smart , Vote411.org, a project of the League of Women Voters or Rock the Vote. Act quickly as voter registration deadlines have already passed in a number of states, according to Long Distance Voter.

Make your voice heard. Register.