2026 VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT

Our campaign has received a lot of questions from residents asking why Valentine for Mayor, and Davis, Brown, Pilla for Council at Large are not appearing on their primary Democrat ballot. If at any time you or your friends and neighbors need any assistance, please feel free to CONTACT US

We created a New Jersey Primary Election Q&A to help educate voters. 

Q: What is a Primary Election? 

A: Primary Election is the election where each political party chooses its candidates for the General Election in November. In other words, the Primary Election decides who will represent each party on the November ballot. 

Q: Why aren’t Republican candidates listed on the Democrat Primary ballot? 

A: Because a Democrat Primary ballot only lists Democrat candidates. We have seen that people wrote in Valentine for Mayor, and Davis, Brown, Pilla for Council on the Democrat mailer. Thank you for your support!  

Q: Does that mean I am voting in the final election? 

A: No. The Primary Election is not the final election.The Primary Election chooses party nominees. The General Election in November is when voters choose who will actually hold office.

Q: Can Democrats vote in the Republican Primary?

A: No. If you are registered as a Democrat, you vote in the Democrat Primary. But feel free to vote for us in the November General Election! We appreciate your support!   

Q: What if I am registered as Unaffiliated? 

A: If you are registered as Unaffiliated, you may vote in the New Jersey Primary, but you must choose which party’s primary you want to vote in. An unaffiliated voter may choose a Republican ballot and vote early or in-person.

Q: What happens when an Unaffiliated voter chooses a party ballot? 

A: By choosing and voting in the Republican primary, you become affiliated with that party. We are a big tent party and would love to have you!! 

Q: What if I am already affiliated with a party and want to switch parties? 

A: Registered voters who are already affiliated with a political party must change their party affiliation by the legal deadline before the Primary Election. That deadline is 55 days before the Primary Election. However, Unaffiliated voters are treated differently. They may declare a party affiliation up to and including Primary Election Day. 

Q: When is the 2026 New Jersey Primary Election? 

A: Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Q: Is there early voting? 

A: Yes. In-person early voting for the 2026 Primary Election runs from: Tuesday, May 26 through Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Q: Can I vote by mail? 

A: Yes. New Jersey allows Vote-by-Mail voting. Important: For the 2026 Primary Election: Deadline to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot by mail: Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Deadline to apply in person for a Vote-by-Mail ballot: Monday, June 1, 2026 by 3:00 p.m. In Gloucester County, voters may apply in person through the County Clerk’s Election Division.

Q: How do I return my Vote-by-Mail ballot? 

A: You may return your Vote-by-Mail ballot by: 1. Mailing it back early 2. Placing it in an official secure ballot drop box 3. Returning it directly to the Gloucester County Board of Elections

Q: Can I bring my Vote-by-Mail ballot to my polling place on Election Day? 

A: No. Vote-by-Mail ballots cannot be returned to your polling place on Election Day. If you vote by mail, follow the instructions carefully and return it the proper way.

Q: What should I be careful about with Vote-by-Mail ballots? 

A: Read all instructions carefully. Make sure you:  Sign where required and always use blue or black ink. No other colors, blue or black.  Use the correct envelopes  Do not detach anything that should remain attached  Return the ballot before the deadline  Use an official return method  Do not bring your mail-in ballot to your Election Day polling place

Q: Why does this matter? 

A: Because every vote matters, but every voter also needs to understand the process. Primary Elections can be confusing, especially for Unaffiliated voters or voters who are not sure why only one party’s candidates appear on a ballot. The ballot you receive depends on your party affiliation and the type of election being held.

Q: What is the bottom line? 

A: The Primary Election is where parties choose their candidates. The General Election in November is where voters choose the final officeholders. Unaffiliated voters may choose which primary to participate in, but they must choose one party ballot. Heartbeat of Monroe encourages every eligible voter in Monroe Township / Williamstown, and throughout Gloucester County to get informed, check your ballot, know your voting options, and make a plan to get out and vote! 

This is our town. 

This is our future. 

We own it proudly. 

Your vote matters.