Division

Elections Division

Division information

Contact Information

4 services
  1. Contact Information (links to another page on this site) This tile opens the Clerk's elections contact hub so you can pick the right office. Candidate filings and mail-in ballots stay with Room 130; poll workers and Election Day problems go to the Board of Elections in Room 310.
  2. Facebook Leaves site (opens external site) Follow Clerk John Hogan on Facebook for election-day reminders, office photos, and short updates that may not hit the website first. It is a public Facebook profile, not a place to file a petition or request a ballot.
  3. Instagram Leaves site (opens external site) See photos and short election updates from the Clerk Instagram, @johnhoganclerk. Use it to stay loosely in the loop; official forms and deadlines still live on this website or in Room 130.
  4. X Leaves site (opens external site) The Elections Division posts short voting reminders and results notes on X at @electionsclerk. It is a public feed, not a help desk—email elections@bergencountynj.gov if you need a ballot or a filing question answered.

Candidate Information

4 services
  1. Cybersecurity Campaign Checklist -DHS Leaves site (opens external site) Campaign staff can open the U.S. Department of Homeland Security / CISA checklist for locking down email, laptops, and volunteer access. It is a federal PDF, not a Clerk form; use it alongside your NJELEC reporting, not instead of it.
  2. Petitions & Information for Candidates Use this page if you are running for office in Bergen County. It explains how to file a candidate petition in person at Room 130 (already notarized, no appointment), the 2026 deadlines and signature counts for local, school board, county, and independent races, and the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission rules every candidate has to follow.
  3. Campaign Finance and Reporting – NJELEC Leaves site (opens external site) Candidates and treasurers should click through to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for contribution limits, reporting calendars, and filing logins. The Clerk does not take campaign-finance reports; NJELEC does.
  4. UNOFFICIAL 2026 General Election Candidate List Leaves site (opens external site) See who has filed so far for the 2026 general election in a live Google spreadsheet the Clerk updates as petitions come in. The list is unofficial until certification; refresh it if you are checking a race after a filing deadline.

Early Voting Information

1 service
  1. Hours and Locations Check the nine-day early-voting calendar for the November 3, 2026 general election and the list of sites. Voting runs Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday (Sunday hours are posted on the page).

County Committee Forms

5 services
  1. County Committee Acceptance Form Newly chosen county committee members can download the acceptance form, sign it, and return it to the Elections Division. Bring the completed form to Room 130; the office does not take these by email.
  2. County Committee Resignation Form County committee members who are stepping down can download the resignation form and file it with the Clerk's Elections Division. Turn it in at Room 130 so the vacancy can be recorded on the official list.
  3. Municipal Chair Acceptance Form Municipal Democratic or Republican chairs use this acceptance form after they are selected. Print it, complete it, and file it in Room 130 so the Clerk's committee records show the new chair.
  4. Municipal Chair Resignation Form Municipal party chairs who are leaving the post can download the resignation form here. File the signed copy with the Elections Division in Room 130 so the seat can be filled.
  5. Request County Committee List Leaves site (opens external site) Campaigns, parties, and residents can request a copy of the official county committee list through the county's public request form. You leave this site and land on co.bergen.nj.us; have the race or town you need ready before you submit.

Election Information

6 services
  1. Election Results Look up certified results for recent and historical Bergen County elections, grouped by decade. After 2022, posted results also show how many votes were cast in each district for each contest, so you can compare a precinct without calling the office.
  2. Election Timelines Leaves site (opens external site) Candidates, clerks, and voters can open the state's official election timeline for petition, voter-registration, and ballot-mailing dates. It is maintained by the New Jersey Division of Elections, not the county, so use it when you need a statewide deadline.
  3. How to Vote on New Voting Machines - Video Leaves site (opens external site) If you have not used the current in-person machines, this tile sends you to the Superintendent of Elections for a how-to video. Watch it before early voting or Election Day so the screen and printout are familiar.
  4. Sample Ballots Pick your municipality to see the contests and candidate names that will appear on Election Day. Print or save the sample ballot and bring it to your polling place or early-voting site so check-in goes faster.
  5. UNOFFICIAL 2026 General Election Candidate List Leaves site (opens external site) Open the unofficial 2026 general-election candidate spreadsheet from the election-information hub. The Clerk updates it as petitions are filed; treat it as a working list until results are certified.
  6. Voter Registration and Mail-In Ballot Lists Campaigns, parties, and researchers can buy official voter-registration and mail-in ballot applicant lists from the Clerk. The page lists what is available and the copy fees; request a set through the instructions here rather than emailing a spreadsheet ask.

Election Integrity and Transparency

7 services
  1. A Mail-In Ballot’s Journey Document (opens document) Download the Clerk's illustrated handout on what happens after you mail or drop a vote-by-mail ballot. Use it if you want a plain walkthrough of intake, signature check, and counting—handy for classrooms, campaigns, or observers.
  2. Election Security Rumor vs. Reality Leaves site (opens external site) Click through to CISA Rumor vs. Reality site when you want a federal fact-check on election-security claims. It is not a county complaint form; bring a local counting or ballot question back to elections@bergencountynj.gov.
  3. Frequently Asked Questions Leaves site (opens external site) This tile leaves the county site for the state's voting FAQ, covering registration, ID, mail-in ballots, and Election Day rules that apply statewide. Use the Clerk's own vote-by-mail FAQ if your question is only about a Bergen County ballot.
  4. How to Spot Fake News Leaves site (opens external site) Open a short checklist graphic on spotting false news before you share an election claim. It is a reminder sheet, not a Clerk investigation page—report a local voting problem to the Elections Division instead.
  5. Observing Ballot Counting Email (opens email) Want to watch ballots being counted? This tile opens your email client to elections@bergencountynj.gov so you can ask about observer rules and times. Say which election and whether you are a campaign representative or a member of the public.
  6. OPRA Requests (Vote by Mail Request Lists, Petitions, etc.) Leaves site (opens external site) File a public-records request for vote-by-mail applicant lists, petitions, or other election files through the county OPRA portal. You leave this site; have the election date and the record type ready so the request is not bounced for being too vague.
  7. Request to Become a Challenger Leaves site (opens external site) Campaigns and parties appoint challengers through the Board of Elections, not the Clerk. This tile sends you to that board's challenger instructions so you can apply before the deadline for the next election.

Voter Information

7 services
  1. Assistance for Voters with Disabilities Voters with disabilities can call the Elections Office to compare in-person machines, mail-in ballots, and assisted options. Ask about curbside or audio help before Election Day so the site you pick is actually set up for you.
  2. Bilingual Assistance in Spanish/Korean Spanish- and Korean-speaking voters can get ballots and help in those languages, as required once a language community meets the Voting Rights Act threshold. Bilingual hotline numbers are listed on the page; ask for an interpreter if you reach the main elections line instead.
  3. Know your Rights – NJ Voters’ Bill of Rights Leaves site (opens external site) Read the state's voters' bill of rights—what you can expect at the polls, when you may use a provisional ballot, and how to challenge a problem. The page lives on nj.gov; bring a local polling-place issue back to the Board of Elections.
  4. Overseas Citizens and Military Voters Leaves site (opens external site) U.S. citizens living overseas and military voters should use the Federal Voting Assistance Program site to complete the federal postcard application. The Clerk still mails or emails the Bergen County ballot once that request is on file.
  5. Poll Worker Application Leaves site (opens external site) Apply to work the polls through the state's poll-worker page. The Board of Elections hires and trains poll workers; the Clerk does not, so finish the state form rather than emailing Room 130.
  6. Voter Registration Leaves site (opens external site) Register to vote or update your name or address on the New Jersey Division of Elections site. You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the state's age and residency rules; the county cannot register you from a Clerk email.
  7. Voting Locations Leaves site (opens external site) Look up your assigned Election Day polling place on the New Jersey voter site. Early-voting sites are different and are listed on the Clerk's early-voting page; do not assume your November site is open during the early window.

Vote By Mail Information

9 services
  1. A Mail-In Ballot’s Journey Document (opens document) Download the illustrated mail-in ballot journey handout from the vote-by-mail section. It shows how a returned ballot is logged, checked, and counted—useful if you are deciding between mail, drop box, or Election Day.
  2. Apply to Vote by Mail Online Leaves site (opens external site) Apply for a Bergen County mail-in ballot on the state voter portal (voter.svrs.nj.gov). You will need your registration details; the Clerk mails the ballot after the state request is accepted.
  3. Ballot Drop Box Locations Leaves site (opens external site) Find official 24-hour ballot drop boxes on the Board of Elections site. Use a listed box if you want to return a mail-in ballot without postage; unofficial boxes or office lobbies are not the same thing.
  4. Frequently Asked Questions Voters who already have—or want—a mail-in ballot can scan short answers about deadlines, who may return a ballot, and what to do if something is missing. Call the Elections Division in Room 130 if your situation is not on the list.
  5. Replace a Mail-In Ballot If your mail-in ballot is lost, damaged, or you marked it wrong, call the Elections Division for a replacement rather than guessing at a photocopy. A replacement form is posted here; do not put two voted ballots in the mail for the same election.
  6. Track My Ballot Leaves site (opens external site) See whether your mail-in ballot has been issued, received, or accepted on the state's Track My Ballot site. Have your name and date of birth ready; county staff cannot change a state tracking status from this page.
  7. Vote by Mail Instructional Video Watch the Clerk's vote-by-mail video before you open the envelope so the inner and outer sleeves go in the right order. It is meant for first-time mail voters and anyone who wants a refresh before they seal the packet.
  8. Vote by Mail Removal Form Document (opens document) Download the vote-by-mail removal form if you want to stop getting a ballot in the mail and vote in person instead. Return the completed form to the Elections Division before the next election's mail-out so a ballot is not sent.
  9. Vote-By-Mail Application/Mail-In Ballot Request a mail-in ballot (the old absentee ballot) for a local, state, or federal election. Complete the county application or the online state form; overseas and military voters should use the federal postcard application instead.

More about this division

The County Clerk’s Elections Division administers one third of the election process in Bergen County along with the Superintendent of Elections and the Board of Elections. Our office oversees ballot design and printing, the mailing of Vote by Mail and Sample Ballots, the certification and posting of election results, maintains County Committee lists, and receives and files county level candidate petitions as well as local and school candidates for the General Election. Information about the other Bergen County Election Officials and their responsibilities can be found here.

Our goal is to provide Bergen County voters with a simple and secure website to find all election and voting information. As we continue to battle the rise of election misinformation, we hope to be your trusted source of Election Information in Bergen County. Please note, because our office does not manage all aspects involved in conducting elections, you may be redirected to another election official’s website for the information you are looking for.

Upcoming Election Information

  • Election Timelines
  • What’s On the Ballot?
    • Offices up for Election
    • Review Unofficial Candidate List
    • View your Sample Ballot
    • Understanding Block Style Ballots – A Guide for Primary Voters

Register to Vote/Update Voter Registration

Need to register to vote? Or update your address or name? Click here to see your registration options!

Ways to Vote

There are three ways to cast a ballot in Statewide Elections. Registered eligible voters can participate in Early Voting, Vote by Mail or on Election Day at their assigned polling place. Please note, local municipal and school elections do not have in-person early voting, but voters can still vote early by submitting a timely Vote by Mail Application and casting their ballot before election day.

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Ways to Vote

  • Early Voting

    NJ holds in-person Early Voting for the June Primary and November General Elections. Registered Voters in Bergen County can visit any one of the 9 locations to cast their vote on their own town’s ballot. No appointment or application is needed. Vote Early, if you want to cast your vote in person using a voting machine and don’t want to wait until Election Tuesday! Pro-tip: Bring your Sample Ballot with you for a faster check-in!

  • Vote by Mail

    NJ allows all voters to request a Vote by Mail Ballot for a specific election or for all future elections. If you prefer to vote in the comfort of your own home or if you’ll be far from home, voting by mail is a great option for you! Pro-tip: don’t wait until the last minute to apply or cast your vote!

    Step 1: Complete and return your Vote by Mail Application

    After completing the application, you can either:

    • Mail it to the County Clerk *must be received at least 7 days before the election*
    • OR you can return it in person to the office of the County Clerk until 3:00 P.M. the day before the election.

    Step 2: Fill Out Your Vote by Mail Ballot – Pictures/Video

    • Use ink (blue/black) or pencil to fill in the ovals for the candidates or public questions of your choice.
    • Insert the ballot into the inner envelope. Fill out the Certificate and Sign. DO NOT DETATCH THE CERTIFICATE
    • Place your certificate in the mailing envelope.

    Step 3: Cast Your Ballot by 8pm on Election Day

    • By Mail – Be sure to mail it back right away. Its postage paid.
    • Deposit into a Secure Ballot Drop Box. Find a Drop Box near you.
    • Return in person to the Board of Elections – 1 Bergen County Plaza Room 310 Hackensack NJ 07601.

    Links & Resources

  • Election Day Voting

    Stop by your local polling location before the close of polls to mark and cast your ballot using the voting machines. If you want to vote in person on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. Election Day is the last chance you have to vote if you didn’t already.

    Pro-tip: Bring your Sample Ballot with you for a faster check-in!

  • Vote Absentee while Overseas or in the Military

    Military members, their families, and overseas citizens can vote from anywhere in the world. Eligible American Citizens can register and request their ballots be mailed, emailed or faxed to them. Pro-tip: You should send in a new FPCA every January and each time you move.

  • Voting Options for Voters with Disabilities

    Every Early Voting Facility and Election Day Polling Locations are accessible for all people, regardless of ability. Each has a voting machine that is ADA compliant. These machines include features like audio ballots, large print/zoom features, and height and tilt adjustments on the screens. Please let the election workers know if you have questions or need assistance with the voting machine. Under federal law, you can request reasonable accommodations from the polling officials to assist you with voting. You can ask family, friends, poll workers, or someone else you choose to help you vote. The only people that are not allowed to help you vote are your employer or union representative. If you ask poll workers to help you vote, they should send poll workers from 2 different parties. You have the right to have someone show you how to use the voting machine during early voting or on Election Day. You also have the right to request use of an accessible voting machine if you need it. You may vote by saying your choice to an assistant. This is called voting orally. You can ask for more time when you vote. You can ask for an accommodation, such as skipping the line or requesting a chair to sit on, when waiting to vote.

    If you are unable to vote in person, you can request to vote by mail. Your Vote by Mail Application must have your signature. Because your signature identifies you, you should update your signature on file if it has changed. Any mark can be a signature, but it must be the same on file and on your application.

    • Once the voter has their Vote by Mail Ballot, if needed due to the voter’s inability to use a writing instrument to place their signature or mark on the Certificate of Mail-In Voter, the voter can authorize a helper to sign the voter’s name on the inner envelope certificate on their behalf. You can request the required Assistor Form by calling 201-336-7061 or emailing electionsclerk@bergencountyclerk.gov.
    • NJ offers an accessible vote-by-mail option to allow voters to use assistive technology to read and mark the ballot electronically. You must print your marked ballot and return it in an envelope by mail or in person at an approved drop-off location. Please note this is not an online voting system. The ballots in this program must be printed out and mailed to the Election Board or delivered in a Vote by Mail Return Envelope. You can request this service by calling 201-336-7061 or emailing electionsclerk@bergencountyclerk.gov.

    Feel free to contact the Elections Division Supervisor, Sabrina Taranto, to go over in-person and mail-in voting options to help you choose which method meets your needs. She can be reached at 201-336-7061 or by email at electionsclerk@bergencountyclerk.gov.

    Pro-Tip: You can request your Sample Ballots be sent to you in audio format. If you would like to be sent Audio CDs of Sample Ballots for every election, please contact our office to be added to our list. We can be reached at 201-336-7061 or by email at electionsclerk@bergencountyclerk.gov.

Election Integrity and Transparency

Thank you for being an informed voter and for taking the time to get the real facts about Elections in Bergen County.

Resources for Candidates

Considering candidacy for an elected office? You’ll find the information included here useful but refer to New Jersey Statutes and Rules for comprehensive information regarding election procedures and consult with legal counsel.

  • Confirm Your Voter Registration

    If you intend to run in a Primary Election, you must be affiliated with the Political Party.

  • Review the qualifications for elected office

    Candidates must meet the age, residence and petition signature requirements listed below as set forth in the United States Constitution, New Jersey Constitution and N.J.S.A. 19:23-8

  • Understand Campaign Finance Rules

    NOTICE TO ALL CANDIDATES: All candidates are required by law to comply with the provisions of the “New Jersey Campaign Contributions & Expenditures Reporting Act.”  New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (NJELEC) has instituted mandatory electronic filing. Go to ELEC’s web–based report filing system. If you have any questions regarding mandatory electronic filing, please call (609) 292–8700 or 1-888-313-ELEC (3532) and speak with a member of the Compliance staff