What is the registration requirement for individuals before the next election?

The requirement that individuals must be 18 by the registration deadline is significant because it ensures that all registered voters are legally eligible to participate in the election before they cast their votes. New Jersey law stipulates that a person must be at least 18 years old on or before election day to vote, but they can preregister at 17, provided they turn 18 by the time the election occurs. This registration process helps maintain the integrity of the electoral system and ensures that all voters have reached the age of majority, allowing them to engage in the democratic process fully.

While being 17 or older and a resident of New Jersey are relevant factors in the registration process, they do not guarantee eligibility to vote unless the individual turns 18 by the election date. Additionally, having a driver's license is not a prerequisite for registration; individuals can register and vote in New Jersey with other forms of identification or even without any identification, depending on the circumstances.