Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest. Every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard without intimidation or interference, and every election – from federal to local – is important, and the results can shape the future of New Jersey and our country for years to come.
This year, New Jersey will be holding a special election to fill the seat representing the 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, CD-11 is vacant due to the resignation of former Congressperson Mikie Sherrill after the 2025 gubernatorial election. A special primary election will be held in February, followed by a special general election in April.
We compiled a list of FAQs to make sure you have all the information you need going into this special election.
When is the CD-11 special election?
The special primary election is on February 5, 2026, with early voting happening from January 29, 2026 - February 3, 2026. Following the primary, a special general election will be held on April 16, 2026, with early voting happening from April 6, 2026 - April 14, 2026.
What is a primary election?
A primary election is an election in which voters of New Jersey’s statutory political parties (Republicans and Democrats) determine which candidates will appear on the ballot as their parties’ nominee in the general election. The candidate that wins the primary election goes forward to the general election, against an opposing party candidate who was also elected by members of their party to represent them, as well as any candidates that were nominated by petition.
Who can vote in the CD-11 special election?
Only residents of Congressional District 11 can vote in the special primary election and special general election.
In New Jersey, only voters who are registered with the Republican or Democratic party can cast their ballots in their party’s primary election, whereas in a general election, voters can vote for anyone regardless of party affiliation.
Unaffiliated voters interested in voting during the primary may declare a party affiliation in-person during the early voting period or on Election Day, or by filling out a party declaration form by January 29, 2026, when applying for a vote-by-mail ballot, and will be considered a member of that political party in the future.
It should be noted that, unlike unaffiliated voters who are registered to vote but not affiliated with any political party, registered voters who are affiliated with a different political party would have had to have changed their political party affiliation by December 12, 2025 to vote in the special primary election. Therefore, it is too late for such voters to change their affiliation in time to vote in that other party’s special primary election in CD-11.
How can I vote in the CD-11 special primary election?
You can vote early in person from January 29, 2026 - February 3, 2026. Early voting locations will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. You can vote in any of the designated early voting locations in your county.
You can also vote in-person on Election Day, February 5, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
In addition to in-person voting, you can vote by mail. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail is Thursday, January 29, 2026. If you are voting by mail, your ballot must be dropped off at a secure ballot drop box or at your county’s Board of Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. on February 5, 2026, or postmarked no later than February 5, 2026.
I am unaffiliated. Can I still vote in the CD-11 special primary election?
New Jersey voters that are unaffiliated, meaning they have not declared for any party, are able to declare for either party to be eligible to vote in the primary, and may do so in person during early voting or on Election Day.
If you wish to vote by mail, you must submit an application for a mail-in ballot by mail, along with a political party affiliation declaration form by January 29, 2026, in order to be able to vote in the special primary election by mail.
Members of a political party other than Democrats and Republicans are not eligible to vote in the primary election without switching their party affiliation, and at this time, the deadline for any voter (including Democrats and Republicans) to change their affiliation from one political party to a different one has passed with respect to voting in the CD-11 special primary election.
For more information on the CD-11 special primary and general election, visit the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.
Whether you plan to vote by mail, in-person during early voting, or on Election Day, we hope that racial and social justice, civil rights, and civil liberties are at the forefront of your mind. Together, we can build a strong, and representative democracy where every New Jerseyan’s voice is heard, loud and clear.
