New Jersey is preparing to vote for its next governor — in a neck-and-neck race, according to a recent poll.

Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattrelli have 49% and 48%, respectively, of support among likely voters in the New Jersey contest, according to a poll out Thursday from Emerson College. Roughly 3% of voters remain undecided.

This race is one taking place in the tri-state that many across the country are keeping a close eye on as a barometer of what the midterm elections next year could look like.

With this in mind, NBC New York compiled a guide on what you need to know about Election Day 2025 in New Jersey.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

The deadline to register to vote for New Jerseyans has already passed (Oct. 17). However, there are still a number of deadlines that are important to keep in mind:

Deadline to return mail ballot: Postmarked by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4

Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN NEW JERSEY?

In order to qualify to register to vote in New Jersey, a person must be:

A United States citizen;

At least 17 years old (although they will not be able to vote until they turn 18);

A resident of the county for 30 days before the election;

A person not serving a sentence of incarceration for a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States.

Additionally, it is important to note that the registrant must also complete a Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form upon registration.

VOTING IN GENERAL ELECTION

When will the polls be open on Election Day for in-person voting?

Polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Accommodations will be made for voters with disabilities.

It is important to note that a vote-by-mail ballot CANNOT be returned to your in-person early voting poll location or an Election Day poll location.

For more information on your polling place, go to the polling locations page on the vote.nj.gov website. 

What are ballot drop boxes?

Additionally, voters using mail-in ballots have the option of dropping them off at a ballot drop box. Voters can drop their ballots in these secure, locked structures from the time they receive the ballots in the mail up until 8 p.m. on Election Day. The boxes are under surveillance and are available 24 hours a day.

There are at least 10 drop boxes in each county.

The location of these drop boxes can be found on the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.

A new poll shows Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli locked in a virtual dead heat.
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NBC News 4 New York’s Adam Harding reports.

WHO IS RUNNING?

In the Garden State, there are various candidates vying for local seats. However, the race that is most closely watched is the governor’s race.

Additionally, a number of county commissioners and clerks are up for election as well. For more information about hyperlocal municipal election, including Board of Education and city/town council members, you can click here to reach out to your local County Election Office.

HOW CAN I REPORT POLL SITE PROBLEMS AND OTHER ISSUES?

To report a potential election crime or incident of voter fraud, call 1-877-NJ-VOTER.