What is required for someone to vote in New Jersey?

To vote in New Jersey, one of the primary requirements is that the individual must be a U.S. citizen. This is essential because the right to vote in federal and state elections is reserved for U.S. citizens, reflecting the principle that only citizens should have a say in the governance of their country and state.

While residency is also a requirement, it is not solely defined by being a resident of New Jersey or any state; hence, residency alone without citizenship would not fulfill the voting requirement. Employment status is not a criterion for voting eligibility in New Jersey, as it does not relate to a person's right to participate in elections. Additionally, while you must be at least 18 years old to vote in New Jersey, there are provisions that allow 17-year-olds to vote in a primary election if they will turn 18 by the next general election. Therefore, being a U.S. citizen remains the fundamental requirement to ensure that all voters are recognized participants in the democratic process.