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Department of State

New Jersey Division of Elections

The Hon. Tahesha Way, Secretary

Challenging a Candidate's Petition

Primary Election

Who Can File a Challenge?
Any individual may file a challenge.
When Can Someone File a Challenge?
Petitions may be reviewed, beginning April 1, 2020 at 9 a.m.
Objections must be made in writing no later than April 3, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Where to File the Challenge?
Objections may be faxed or hand delivered to the Division of Elections. The office is located at 20 West State Street, 4th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608. Our fax number is 609-777-1280.
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.
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 6, 2020.
You will be informed of the specific time and location.
After the Hearing – What to Expect?
At the conclusion of the hearing, an Initial Decision from OAL will be prepared and provided to the Secretary of State (SOS).
The SOS will then Adopt, Modify or Reject the Initial Decision and prepare a Final Decision.
A copy of the Final Decision will be emailed or faxed 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.
When Can Someone File a Challenge?
Petitions may be reviewed, beginning June 3, 2020 at 9 a.m.
Objections must be made in writing no later than June 8, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Where to File the Challenge?
Objections may be faxed or hand delivered to the Division of Elections. The office is located at 20 West State Street, 4th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608. Our fax number is 609-777-1280.
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.
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 9, 2020.
You will be informed of the specific time and location.
After the Hearing – What to Expect?
At the conclusion of the hearing, an Initial Decision from OAL will be prepared and provided to the Secretary of State (SOS).
The SOS will then Adopt, Modify or Reject the Initial Decision and prepare a Final Decision.
A copy of the Final Decision will be emailed or faxed to all parties.
The Final Decision is reviewable by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division.

 

General Election - Electors for President and Vice President

Who Can File a Challenge?
Any individual may file a challenge.
When Can Someone File a Challenge?
Petitions may be reviewed, beginning July 28, 2020 at 9 a.m.
Objections must be made in writing no later than July 31, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Where to File the Challenge?
Objections may be faxed or hand delivered to the Division of Elections. The office is located at 20 West State Street, 4th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608. Our fax number is 609-777-1280.
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.
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 3, 2020.
You will be informed of the specific time and location.
After the Hearing – What to Expect?
At the conclusion of the hearing, an Initial Decision from OAL will be prepared and provided to the Secretary of State (SOS).
The SOS will then Adopt, Modify or Reject the Initial Decision and prepare a Final Decision.
A copy of the Final Decision will be emailed or faxed to all parties.
The Final Decision is reviewable by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division.

 

Page Last Updated: 02/27/20

 

 

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