New Law Expands Primary Election Voting to 17-Year-Olds in New Jersey’s Upcoming Primary Election

FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is advising Monmouth County voters that a new state law grants eligible 17-year-olds the right to vote in the Primary Election for the first time. Under the New Voter Empowerment Act, a 17-year-old who turns 18 by the November 3rd General Election will be eligible to cast a ballot in the June 2nd Primary Election.

“This law empowers young voters to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities,” said Clerk Hanlon. “Voting is one of the most powerful ways citizens can participate in our democracy, and I encourage all eligible young residents to vote and become informed, lifelong participants in our democratic process.”

Under longstanding New Jersey law, voter registration has been permitted at age 17, though one must be 18 to cast a ballot in a General Election under federal law. The new legislation expands the ability of 17-year-olds to vote in a Republican or Democratic Primary Election provided they turn 18 by the November General Election.
New voters have the option to declare a party affiliation during the voter registration process. Those already registered but not affiliated with a political party may affiliate with the party of their choice either online or by mail before the Primary Election or in person at the polls.

Requests to join a party can be processed online at the state’s voter registration website at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/ or by printing, completing and submitting a Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form by mail to the County’s Superintendent of Elections.
For more information about voter registration or primary elections in Monmouth County, visit the County Clerk’s Elections website at MonmouthCountyVotes.gov or download our free Monmouth County Votes mobile app.

About the Clerk of Elections / Monmouth County Clerk

The Monmouth County Clerk serves as the Clerk of Elections, one of three independent entities overseeing the elections process in Monmouth County in conjunction with the Superintendent of Elections and Board of Elections. The Clerk of Elections processes vote-by-mail ballot applications, prepares ballots, verifies candidate petitions and certifies elections results. Voter registration, voting records and voting machines fall under the purview of the Superintendent of Elections, while the Board of Elections is responsible for counting ballots, overseeing poll workers and maintaining polling locations.

The Office of the Monmouth County Clerk is comprised of five divisions handling elections, property recordings, archives, passports and records management. The County Clerk’s Office also provides resident, veteran and Gold Star Family identification cards to eligible county residents, administers oaths to notaries and public officials and performs wedding ceremonies. The Monmouth County Clerk is a constitutional and administrative officer elected to a five-year term by the voters of Monmouth County. Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq. has served as Monmouth County Clerk since 2015.
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