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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
New I.D. Requirements for registering to vote in NJ for the first time by
mail
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FAQ Index | Candidate
Questions | Voter Questions
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| 1 |
When did the HAVA identification
requirements come into effect? |
| 2 |
What is a registration application
“by mail?” |
| 3 |
When is the I.D. required? |
| 4 |
What does the identification
form request? |
| 5 |
What is an acceptable identifying
document? |
| 6 |
If a registrant provides
a driver’s license number or the last four digits of the social security
number, does the State have to verify the numbers? |
| 7 |
Who will do registrant verification
of I.D? |
| 8 |
What if a first-time voter
does not provide identification before voting in a federal primary or general
election? |
| 9 |
What if this first-time
voter does not show the at the polling place? |
| 10 |
What if a voter registration
form is walked into the county commissioner of registration office by the registrant? |
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| 1 |
When did the HAVA identification requirements come
into effect?
January 1, 2003.
On or after January 1, 2003, any person who registered by mail to vote in his/her
county for the first-time, and has never voted in a federal election in the county
of registration, is subject to the identification requirements.
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| 2 |
What is a registration application “by mail?”
Generally, it is a voter registration form that is delivered to the county
commissioner of registration office or the state Division of Elections by
the Post Office.
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| 3 |
When is the I.D. required? At the time
of registration.
As of this time, the county commissioner of registration
will send to the affected voter a request for identification form.
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| 4 |
What does the identification form request?
The registrant’s driver’s license number, or the last four digits
of the social security number. If the registrant does not have such numbers,a
copy of an identifying document is requested.
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| 5 |
What is an acceptable identifying document?
A current and valid photo I.D.; a copy of a bank statement, paycheck, utility
bill, government check or other government document that shows the name and address
of the voter.
Some examples of a photo I.D. are:
- driver’s license
- motor vehicle identification card
- U.S. passport
- student I.D.
- employment I.D.
- professional I.D.
- store membership I.D
- county government I.D.
A government document could include a motor vehicle registration, public assistance
card.
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| 6 |
If a registrant provides a driver’s license
number or the last four digits of the social security number, does the State have
to verify the numbers?
Yes.
The federal law requires the state to verify the numbers in order to satisfy the
identification requirement.
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| 7 |
Who will do registrant verification of I.D?
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
The NJMVC will verify all the numbers provided
by the county commissioners of registration.
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| 8 |
What if a first-time voter does not provide identification
before voting in a federal primary or general election?
That voter will have to show identification at the polling place.
If the voter does show identification, the voter votes in the voting machine.
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| 9 |
What if this first-time voter does not show the
at the polling place?
That voter will have to vote by provisional ballot.
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| 10 |
What if a voter registration form is walked into
the county commissioner of registration office by the registrant?
That is not a registration “by mail”. No identification is required
of that registrant.
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