“Our democracy is stronger when every voice is heard,” said Governor Murphy. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented difficulties for the civil servants charged with the extremely important task of certifying and auditing elections. This executive order will provide these dedicated officials with the time they need to properly conclude their work for this year’s general election.”

Under EO #198, county boards of elections that have notified the Office of the Secretary of State prior to the issuance of this Order that the county board of canvassers cannot hold their meeting by November 20 due to the significant impact of COVID-19 on their staff and facilities will have their certification deadlines extended until November 25. Ocean and Salem counties qualify for this extension.

Further, the deadline to conduct the election audit required under statute which is currently December 4  is extended an additional week, until December 11 for all counties.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 198, click here.