April 16th is the deadline for voters who plan to change parties before the 2025 Gubernatorial Primary Election on June 10th
The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 16th, in order to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 10th.
“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 10, 2025 Gubernatorial Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 16.”
Ms. DiRado also wishes to highlight a new law which goes into effect for the first time in this year’s primary elections. Any unaffiliated voter, who has previously voted in a Primary Election and who has opted to receive a vote by mail ballot for all future elections, or for the June 10 primary election, must declare their party by April 16 in order to receive their vote by mail ballot. Only voters who have never voted in a primary election or first time voters can receive a vote by mail ballot after completing a party affiliation form beyond the April 16 party affiliation deadline.
Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation. Voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.
Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:
- Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
- Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
- Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
- Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.
- To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf
Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s candidates in the June 10 primary.
The April 16 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls during early voting from June 3 – June 8, 2025, or on June 10, Election Day.