The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey (UULMNJ) wants to remind our fellow UUs and like-minded citizens that this is an important Election Year in the State of New Jersey. In the coming months, we will have three elections in which we will select a United States Senator and then our Governor and State Legislators, as well as vote on a referendum concerning increasing the minimum wage. The UULMNJ does not endorse candidates or take a position on the referendum. However, as Unitarian Universalists, it is both an important civic duty and an expression of our UU values to participate in the electoral process. Here is how you can do that:
When are the Elections? There are actually three different election days coming up over the next three months:
- August 13th: The Primary to select the candidates to replace the late Senator Frank Lautenberg.
- October 16th: The Election Day for U.S. Senator only.
- November 5th: General Election Day, where the Governor, State Senate and State Assembly will be selected and the minimum wage referendum will be either approved or voted down.
What if I am not registered to vote? It is easy to register to vote. You must submit your registration form 21 days before the election (so it is too late to register for the August 13th Primary), and there is time to register for the other two elections. The UULMNJ Liaisons should have the Statewide Registration Form in their UULMNJ Resource Boxes they received this past year. However, it is generally preferable to register in the County where you live. Such a form can be obtained at the office of your Municipal Clerk or printed out from the State website: http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/voting-information-voter-registration-forms.html.
Can I Vote by Mail? Do you know that you don’t have to go to the polls any more? Anyone can vote by mail. You don’t need a reason. You just need to file a Vote By Mail Application, which must be received by your County Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election. That form can be obtained from your Municipal Clerk or printed out from the State website: http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/voting-information-vote-by-mail.html. A voter may also apply in person to the County Clerk until 3:00 p.m., the day before the election.
What Else Can I Do? Although the UULMNJ has no organized activities planned for this election, there are many ways to get involved. You could volunteer through the League of Women Voters, through your local political organizations, through the various candidates’ committees or through the many advocacy groups that are supporting candidates on one side or another on the minimum wage referendum. Working on an election, either in registering voters or working for a candidate or issue in which you believe, can be a gratifying way to bring your values and beliefs to the greater community.