How to Register and Vote in Trenton and Mercer County

Voting in New Jersey is more flexible than it used to be, with three ways to cast a ballot and generous options for registering. Here is what Trenton and Mercer County residents need to know, along with the official links to check current dates for your next election.

Who can register

To register in New Jersey you must be a United States citizen, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and a resident of your county for at least 30 days before the election. Seventeen-year-olds can register in advance and may vote in a primary if they will turn 18 by the general election.

How to register

You can register online at the state’s voter portal, vote.nj.gov, using a New Jersey driver’s license or MVC ID, or by mailing a paper form to the county. The statewide deadline is 21 days before the election, so do not wait until the last week. In Mercer County, voter registration is handled by the Superintendent of Elections. Not sure if you are already registered? You can check your status through the state portal.

Three ways to vote

• Vote by mail. Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot from the Mercer County Clerk, with no excuse required. You can apply for one election or ask to be added to the permanent mail-in list.
• Early voting. New Jersey offers in-person early voting on machines at any early voting site in your county during a set window before Election Day.
• Election Day. Vote at your assigned polling place, which is listed on your sample ballot.

Return a mail ballot by U.S. Mail, at a secure county drop box, or in person to the Mercer County Board of Elections. You cannot drop a mail ballot at a polling place. You can track your mail ballot through the state portal.

Key deadlines change, so check

Registration deadlines, early voting dates, and mail-ballot deadlines are set per election. Before every election, confirm the current dates at vote.nj.gov or with the county. The Mercer County voter hotline is 609-278-2719.

Before you head out

Planning to vote early or on Election Day and getting there by transit? Our guide to getting around Trenton can help. And once you have voted, following what your elected officials actually do is the next step: see how to follow Trenton City Council. More in our Local News section.

Frequently asked questions

What is the voter registration deadline in New Jersey?

You must register at least 21 days before the election. Register online at vote.nj.gov or by paper form to your county.

Can I vote by mail in Mercer County without an excuse?

Yes. Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot from the Mercer County Clerk. No reason is required.

How do I check if I am registered to vote?

Use the “Am I Registered?” tool on the New Jersey voter portal at vote.nj.gov.

Dates vary by election. Always confirm current deadlines with the official sources linked above.