Why It Matters
New Jersey voters are now choosing the Democratic and Republican nominees who will compete in November’s midterm elections for some of the state’s most consequential federal offices, including a U.S. Senate seat and all twelve House districts.
What Happened
Early in-person voting began Tuesday across New Jersey for the state’s congressional primary elections. Polling locations are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday, and until 6 p.m. on Sunday, giving residents multiple opportunities to cast ballots before Election Day.
The primary race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Cory Booker is drawing notable attention. Booker faces no Democratic opposition in the primary, while four Republicans are competing for the chance to challenge him in the November general election. All twelve of the state’s House seats are also on the primary ballot.
Voters may cast ballots at any polling location within their home county during the early voting window. The final day for in-person voting is Election Day itself, June 2, when polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
By the Numbers
- 228,000+ mail-in ballots returned as of last Thursday
- ~81% of mail-in ballots returned by Democrats
- 6 days of early in-person voting before Election Day
- 12 U.S. House seats on the primary ballot
- 4 Republican candidates competing for the Senate nomination
Voting Logistics
Residents who prefer to vote by mail must ensure their ballots are postmarked no later than June 2, or deposited in an official drop box in their home county. County election offices have until June 8 to receive mailed ballots for them to be counted.
Voters can use the state’s online locator tool to find their designated polling sites. Sample ballots mailed to registered voters also list polling place information.
Zoom Out
New Jersey’s primaries are among the first major congressional contests of the 2026 midterm cycle, which will determine control of the House and a significant portion of the Senate. With candidate conduct and political positioning drawing national scrutiny in competitive districts across the country, New Jersey’s results will be closely watched as an early indicator of voter enthusiasm heading into the fall.
The heavy Democratic share of mail-in ballot returns — roughly four in five — reflects a national pattern in which Democratic voters have shown a stronger preference for absentee voting in recent election cycles, though Republican turnout in in-person early voting has also increased.
What’s Next
Primary winners in both parties will advance to face independent candidates in November’s general election. With competitive House districts and a high-profile Senate race on the line, both parties are expected to intensify their ground operations as Election Day approaches. Final vote totals will not be certified until all mail-in ballots postmarked by June 2 are received and counted by June 8.