Applications increase for N.J. mail-in ballots

The deadline is approaching to obtain a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 8 election in New Jersey.

Tuesday is the last day to send in an application for a vote-by-mail ballot, although voters can request one in person at the county clerk’s office right up until the day before the election.

Since New Jersey changed the law two years ago so residents don’t have to give a reason for sending in their ballot, applications have increased, according to Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.

“The advantage is that they don’t have to plan their day around going to the polls. They can do it at home in their leisure. They can review the candidates and the candidates’ statements and they can do it on their on time. Then they just mail it,” she said. “So it’s the easiest way to vote, I believe.”

There is a potential down side to voting by mail.

“If there’s a particular startling revelations against the candidate or somebody comes up with a particularly great idea in the last week or two and you’ve already cast your ballot it’s too late for that to change your mind,” said John Weingart with the Eagleton Institute of Politics.