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The Hon. Tahesha Way, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State

New Jersey Voter Information Portal

Department of State, Division of Elections

ATTENTION NOTICE OF IMPORTANT ADDRESS CHANGE

The NJ Division of Elections has relocated to
225 West State Street, 5th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608

Challenging a Candidate's Petition

Individuals can request copies of a petition by completing an OPRA request.

Page Last Updated: 02/13/24

 

Primary Election

Who Can File a Challenge?

Any individual may file a challenge.

Procedure for Filing a Challenge?

Objections must be based on the statutory requirements in N.J.S.A. Title 19 for petitions.

Objections must specify in detail each individual defect.

Objectors should retain a copy of their challenges.

Objectors must provide the Division with the names, address and contact number of any legal representative, or if not represented, their contact number. The contact number must be a phone where the individual can be reached during and after regular business hours.

Where to File the Challenge?

Objections may be faxed, emailed, or hand delivered to the Division of Elections. The office is located at 225 West State Street, 5th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Objections can be faxed to: 609-777-1280

Objections can be emailed to: petition.challenges@sos.nj.gov

When Can Someone File a Challenge?

Objections must be made in writing no later than April 1, 2024 at 4 p.m.

After Filing the Challenge – What to Expect?

In all challenges, the objector has the burden of proving that a petition is invalid.

The Division of Elections will provide all parties with a copy of the Challenge.

The Division of Elections will provide the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) with the original petition and the challenge.

The OAL will conduct a hearing on the objection.

Hearings for all Primary Election Challenges will begin on April 2, 2024.

Hearings are being conducted remotely. You will be informed of the specific time and details to participate.

After the Hearing – What to Expect?

At the conclusion of the hearing, an Initial Decision from OAL will be prepared and provided to the Lt. Governor/Secretary of State.

The Lt. Governor/Secretary of State will then Adopt, Modify or Reject the Initial Decision and prepare a Final Decision.

A copy of the Final Decision will be emailed to all parties.

The Final Decision is reviewable by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division.

 

General Election

Who Can File a Challenge?

Any individual may file a challenge.

Procedure for Filing a Challenge?

Objections must be based on the statutory requirements in N.J.S.A. Title 19 for petitions.

Objections must specify in detail each individual defect.

Objectors should retain a copy of their challenges.

Objectors must provide the Division with the names, address and contact number of any legal representative, or if not represented, their contact number. The contact number must be a phone where the individual can be reached during and after regular business hours.

Where to File the Challenge?

Objections may be faxed, emailed, or hand delivered to the Division of Elections. The office is located at 225 West State Street, 5th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Objections can be faxed to: 609-777-1280

Objections can be emailed to: petition.challenges@sos.nj.gov

When Can Someone File a Challenge?

Objections must be made in writing no later than June 10, 2024 at 4 p.m.

After Filing the Challenge – What to Expect?

In all challenges, the objector has the burden of proving that a petition is invalid.

The Division of Elections will provide all parties with a copy of the Challenge.

The Division of Elections will provide the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) with the original petition and the challenge.

The OAL will conduct a hearing on the objection.

Hearings for all General Election Challenges will begin on June 11, 2024.

Hearings are being conducted remotely. You will be informed of the specific time and details to participate.

After the Hearing – What to Expect?

At the conclusion of the hearing, an Initial Decision from OAL will be prepared and provided to the Lt. Governor/Secretary of State.

The Lt. Governor/Secretary of State will then Adopt, Modify or Reject the Initial Decision and prepare a Final Decision.

A copy of the Final Decision will be emailed to all parties.

The Final Decision is reviewable by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division.

 

General Election - Electors for President & Vice President

Who Can File a Challenge?

Any individual may file a challenge.

Procedure for Filing a Challenge?

Objections must be based on the statutory requirements in N.J.S.A. Title 19 for petitions.

Objections must specify in detail each individual defect.

Objectors should retain a copy of their challenges.

Objectors must provide the Division with the names, address and contact number of any legal representative, or if not represented, their contact number. The contact number must be a phone where the individual can be reached during and after regular business hours.

Where to File the Challenge?

Objections may be faxed, emailed, or hand delivered to the Division of Elections. The office is located at 225 West State Street, 5th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Objections can be faxed to: 609-777-1280

Objections can be emailed to: petition.challenges@sos.nj.gov

When Can Someone File a Challenge?

Objections must be made in writing no later than August 2, 2024 at 4 p.m.

After Filing the Challenge – What to Expect?

In all challenges, the objector has the burden of proving that a petition is invalid.

The Division of Elections will provide all parties with a copy of the Challenge.

The Division of Elections will provide the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) with the original petition and the challenge.

The OAL will conduct a hearing on the objection.

Hearings for all General Election Challenges will begin on August 5, 2024.

Hearings are being conducted remotely. You will be informed of the specific time and details to participate.

After the Hearing – What to Expect?

At the conclusion of the hearing, an Initial Decision from OAL will be prepared and provided to the Lt. Governor/Secretary of State.

The Lt. Governor/Secretary of State will then Adopt, Modify or Reject the Initial Decision and prepare a Final Decision.

A copy of the Final Decision will be emailed to all parties.

The Final Decision is reviewable by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division.

 

 


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