Why local elections look different
Most people know the rhythm of presidential elections, but local elections follow rules that differ by state, by type of government and sometimes by town. In New Jersey, the form of municipal government largely determines which local offices are on the ballot, how long terms last and when the election is held. This article gives the general picture. It is not a voting guide, and election rules and dates change, so voters should confirm everything with election officials.
Which offices are decided locally
Depending on where a voter lives, a ballot may include some of these:
- Mayor and municipal council or committee members. Which seats exist depends on the form of government. The article on mayor and council arrangements explains the structures.
- Board of education members, in some school districts, where members are elected rather than appointed. How these boards fit into a district is covered separately.
- County offices, such as county commissioners, clerk, sheriff and surrogate, which appear on general election ballots in the years they are up.
- State legislators, members of Congress and the president, which are not local but share the ballot.
- Public questions, which are yes or no measures put to voters, such as certain bond, tax or ordinance questions.
Most local offices are elected to fixed terms, and those terms are often staggered so that only some seats are up in any one year. Staggering gives continuity, because a whole governing body is not replaced at once.
Terms and schedules
New Jersey municipal terms are commonly two, three or four years, depending on the form of government. Some municipalities elect all members at once and others elect a portion each year. A few officials, such as certain mayors, are elected separately from council members.
Election timing also varies. New Jersey municipalities have used several schedules, including:
- May elections. Some municipalities hold nonpartisan elections in May, with candidates not listed by party.
- November elections. Many municipalities hold their elections alongside the November general election, and some hold partisan elections, with candidates listed under party labels.
- Primary elections. In partisan systems, a primary in June chooses each party’s candidates for November.
- Runoffs. Some forms of government use a runoff if no candidate wins a required share in the first round.
Because these rules differ, the best source for any specific year is the municipal clerk or the county board of elections. Dates are set under state law and may shift.
The path to the ballot
Candidates generally qualify by filing a petition with a required number of signatures from registered voters by a filing deadline, and by submitting forms and campaign finance paperwork. Requirements depend on the office. Candidates must usually be residents and registered voters of the area they would represent, and may need to meet residency-duration or age rules.
In partisan elections, candidates often run under a party label and, in some places, appear with a slate. Ballot position and the way candidates are grouped have been subjects of legal and political debate in New Jersey, and the rules have been revised from time to time.
What a voter does
The basic steps are fairly consistent.
- Register. In New Jersey, eligible residents register through their county. There is a registration deadline ahead of each election, and registration can often be checked online through state resources.
- Learn what is on the ballot. Sample ballots are usually published by county election offices before an election. They show the offices, candidates and public questions.
- Choose how to vote. New Jersey has offered in-person voting on Election Day, early in-person voting in recent years, and vote by mail. Rules for each, including deadlines for applications and returns, are set by the state and counties, so it is wise to check them each election.
- Cast the ballot. Polling places are assigned by address. Voters are generally asked to bring identification only in particular circumstances, such as first-time voters whose registration was incomplete.
Who runs the election
Election administration is split among several offices. The county clerk and the county board of elections typically handle ballots, voting equipment and results certification. Municipal clerks handle local filing, notices and certain voter services. The state, through the Division of Elections, sets rules and publishes information. Poll workers are trained residents who staff voting places.
Results are usually unofficial on election night and become final after counting of mail ballots and certification. Close races may involve recounts under state rules.
Why turnout and attention vary
Local elections, especially off-year ones, tend to draw fewer voters than presidential elections, even though decisions made by local bodies affect budgets, zoning, policing and schools in direct ways. People point to different explanations, including that local candidates get less media coverage and that election dates vary. Newspaper archives and municipal websites are common ways to find coverage of past races and results.
Following up between elections
Elections are one part of local participation. Governing bodies meet regularly, publish agendas and take comment from residents, as explained in the guide to public meetings. Understanding what a council or board actually decides, including how municipal budgets are adopted, makes it easier to evaluate candidates’ statements.
Voters can use official sources to check registration, polling places, deadlines and candidate lists. This article is a general explanation, not advice, and election laws can change from year to year.