By Clarissa Nolde & Jeff Jotz
Access to the ballot box has been expanded for all elections in 2021 including our local races here in Garwood. This means that if voting on election day is too difficult for you or other voters in your household, another option exists to make your voice heard.
Where Can I Go to Vote Early?
As of this writing, the Union County Clerk has confirmed six early voting locations for the 2021 General Election, but the one closest for Garwood residents is located at Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Seminar Room A/B, in Cranford.
What Day and Time Can I Vote?
- Saturday, October 23, 10am – 8pm
- Sunday, October 24, 10am – 6pm
- Monday, October 25, 10am – 8pm
- Tuesday, October 26, 10am – 8pm
- Wednesday, October 27, 10am – 8pm
- Thursday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
- Friday, October 29, 10am – 8pm
- Saturday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
- Sunday, October 31, 10am – 6pm
How Does It Work?
When arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book. The electronic poll book will print a barcode on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate. Voters will then insert their ballot card into the voting machine in order to cast their vote.
Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations. Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 2, must use their designated polling place. That means Garwood Borough Hall, Garwood Fire Station, or the Garwood Library depending upon what part of town you live in. The location of your polling place is listed on the sample ballot you received in the mail, or may be looked up on the Union County Clerk’s website. If you are unable to verify your polling location, you should contact the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 and confirm it. For more information visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe.
We encourage you to vote in whatever way works best for you, but don’t forget that every vote counts and remember to look for us on Column A!