The Primary Process

Candidates for president are chosen through primary elections or caucuses in each state. In order to run as the Democratic presidential candidate in 2008, Sen. Obama needs to win more support from voters in primary elections than any other Democratic Candidate.

In New Jersey, our presidential primary is Feb. 5, 2008. On this day, registered voters who have not declared a party preference or who are declared Democrats, will vote for their choice to be the Democratic presidential nominee. This winner will then go on to face the Republican and any third-party nominees in the general election on November 4, 2008.

Because New Jersey's primary is earlier than most states, we need to work hard to make sure people know about and come out to support Sen. Obama's bid for the Democratic nomination. Obama supporters who are registered Democrats simply need to show up to their local polling place on Feb. 5, and cast their vote for him. Registered voters who have not declared a party may also show up to the polls on Feb. 5 and vote in the Democratic primary for Sen. Obama.

Registering to Vote

Those who have not registered to vote may do so until January 15, 2008. To register, simply fill out and mail in this form: http://www.nj.gov/oag/elections/voter-registration-application.html

Changing your Party Declaration

Sen. Obama's message is one of unity and common purpose. Americans of all parties are supporting his campaign, and you can too, even if you've declared support for another party. Just fill out and send in this form before December 17, 2007: http://www.state.nj.us/oag/elections/parties_doe.html

Absentee Voting

If you will be out of state or know you won't be able to make it to the polls on February 5, 2008, you may vote by mailing in your absentee ballot ahead of time. To apply for an absentee ballot, send in this form before January 29, 2008: http://www.nj.gov/oag/elections/absentee_doe.html