Michael Swayze's Community Resources

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  • 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.

  • OnRamp – New Jersey Job Seekers Online Tool

    Note: OnRamp became inactive as of October, 2018. Job search tools for New Jersey job seekers are available at the state’s Career Services webpage.

    The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development has launched a job-search tool named OnRamp. It allows New Jersey job seekers to post a resume online, receive email alerts on job matches, all free of charge.

    When introduced last November Labor Commissioner Hal Wirths was quoted as saying, “This service is open to everyone. People don’t have to wait to receive a pink slip to use it. We believe this will further our efforts to link job-seekers to the employers that are searching the state for new talent.”

    OnRamp is considered an interactive tool as it allows employers to search resumes for prospective employees based on job skills not just job titles. It also allows consumers to have customized job profiles based on their job search strategies.

    The OnRamp website is located at http://www.jobs4jersey.com. An OnRamp overview and registration instructions are also available. Other job search services are available at the state’s network of One Stop Career Centers.

    The unemployment rate in New Jersey has risen for the last five months and stands at 9.9%, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Veteran’s Homeless Resources

    This is a short note based on an email I received today from a representative of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. His email reads as follows:
    “I would like to thank you providing valuable resources and support to the people of New Jersey. I thought you and your visitors would be interested in VA’s initiative to end Veteran homelessness by 2015. The initiative showcases VA’s unprecedented commitment to ending homelessness by providing funding for and access to programs that aid homeless and at-risk Veterans.”

    “I highly encourage you to learn more about the initiative. VA’s site www.va.gov/homeless contains information about resources for homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families such as: Housing Assistance, Employment Programs, Health Care, Mental Health Services.”

    A short note but a very useful website for vets.