A recent law change enables every eligible 17-year-old New Jersey citizen to
register to vote with the understanding that they may not vote until they
become 18. Previous law allowed 17-year-olds to register only if they would
turn 18 on or before the next election. This is no longer the case.
Seventeen-year-olds can now complete and mail in a voter registration form
and will be designated as pending until their 18 birthday. At that time,
their designation will change to registered.
The League of Women Voters of Monroe Township asks every eligible 17-year -old to register today. There is no excuse to wait. You can find registration
forms online at www.lwvnj.org and on the New Jersey Division of Elections
website www.njelections.org.
Additionally, a new change at the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has made it
easier for 17-year-olds, and everyone else, to register to vote or update
their voting information when obtaining or renewing licenses. Newly
installed technology enables MVC customers to indicate if they would like to
register and provide an electronic signature using a touch screen computer.
The deadline to register to vote for the June 7 primary election is May 17.
The deadline to change party affiliation for the primary is April 13.
The League of Women Voters of New Jersey has a toll-free hotline available,
1-800-792-VOTE (8683) to answer any questions. Information about voting in
New Jersey is also available at www.lwvnj.org.
Ruth Banks
President
League of Women Voters of Monroe Township
