NJ attorney general outlines election safeguards amid concerns about federal interference

State civil rights investigators will handle complaints about voter intimidation and discrimination, while attorneys will assist county election officials.

New Jersey voters who encounter intimidation, harassment, or other obstacles at the polls in the Nov. 3 election will have access to state civil rights investigators and legal assistance as Attorney General Jennifer Davenport steps up efforts to protect voting rights.

The Department of Law and Public Safety will monitor election security threats and potential criminal violations, while preparing to respond to possible federal interference with the state’s elections.

Concerns about election interference have grown amid statements by President Donald Trump and members of his administration about the possibility of deploying federal agents to polling places. Asked in May whether he would send National Guard troops or immigration enforcement officers to polling sites during the midterm elections, Trump said he would do whatever was necessary to ensure honest elections. White House and federal immigration officials have previously said there are no plans to deploy immigration agents to polling places.

In September, the Brennan Center for Justice and several civil rights organizations filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent the Trump administration from deploying federal agents in ways that could intimidate voters or interfere with elections. Federal law prohibits voter intimidation and restricts the presence of armed federal agents at polling locations.

Election officials have also faced threats and harassment. Federal authorities are investigating suspicious mailings sent to election officials and lawmakers in several states this month, including letters containing unidentified white powder and threatening messages.

Davenport said the state would work to protect voters from unlawful interference.

“Our democracy’s continued success depends on free, fair, and secure elections,” she said in a statement. “As eligible New Jerseyans cast their ballots, whether by mail, through secure drop boxes, or in person, we are working to ensure they are protected from any illegal interference with their right to vote.”

State expands voter protections

The Department of Law and Public Safety is responsible for enforcing the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, which Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed into law earlier this year.

The law strengthens protections against voter intimidation, discrimination, and unnecessary barriers to voting. It also gives the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights the authority to investigate and enforce the law’s provisions.

The division will have a team available throughout early voting and on Election Day to receive complaints about intimidation, deceptive practices, harassment, and other forms of unlawful interference with voting.

Residents who experience or witness potential voting rights violations can contact the Division on Civil Rights at 1-833-653-2748 or NJDCR4U@njcivilrights.gov.

The Division of Law will also have attorneys available around the clock to advise county election officials on legal questions and resolve problems that could prevent eligible residents from voting. The Division of Criminal Justice will monitor reports of election fraud, improper electioneering, and other potential criminal violations, referring cases to law enforcement when necessary.

Davenport has also issued updated guidance outlining the responsibilities of police officers during elections and the limits of their authority.

The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, part of the state’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, will monitor cyber and physical threats to election security.

How and when New Jersey residents can vote

New Jersey voters have three options for casting their ballots in the general election: voting by mail, voting early in person, or voting at their assigned polling places on Election Day.

Early in-person voting: Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 24, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1. Polling locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Registered voters may cast their ballots at any designated early voting location in their home county, regardless of their assigned Election Day polling place. Locations are listed on the New Jersey Division of Elections website.

Voting by mail: Residents who want to receive a mail-in ballot by mail must submit their applications by Tuesday, Oct. 27. Voters can also apply in person at their county clerk’s office until 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2.

Completed mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by county election officials within six days after the election in order to be counted. Voters can also return ballots to secure drop boxes or deliver them directly to their county board of elections by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

The Department of Law and Public Safety encourages voters to mail their ballots early to avoid postal delays.

Election Day: Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned polling places, which they can find through the state’s polling location search tool.

Voters who requested mail-in ballots but decide to vote in person instead must use provisional paper ballots unless they have taken the necessary steps to change their mail-in voting status.

Mail-in ballots cannot be returned to regular polling places or early voting locations.

Where to get help with voting problems

Voters who encounter problems at polling places, have questions about their registration, or need help finding their polling locations should contact their county election officials.

The state also operates a toll-free Voter Information and Assistance Line at 1-877-658-6837.

Residents can find polling places, early voting sites, ballot drop box locations, and county election office contact information through the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.