Ocean City, New Jersey Public Records

Citizenship, being at least 18 years old by the next election, New Jersey residency, and not currently serving a sentence or on parole or probation for an indictable offense. The registration deadline falls 21 days before any election. The state does not require voter ID at the polls for most voters, though first-time voters who registered by mail may need to show identification such as a driver's license, student ID, utility bill, or bank statement showing their name and address. Municipal elections in Ocean City take place in May of odd-numbered years, with the next regular election scheduled for May 2025. Council members select the Mayor from among themselves. Local ballot questions occasionally address bond issues for public improvements, beach projects, or capital expenditures. Information about candidates, local measures, and sample ballots is available through the Cape May County Clerk's website and the City of Ocean City website at www.ocnj.us. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the New Jersey Division of Elections polling place lookup tool at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search. The barrier island is divided into multiple election districts, each voting at designated locations typically housed in schools, municipal buildings, or community centers. Under New Jersey public records law, voter registration lists are available for purchase by candidates and political committees through the Capemay County Clerk. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission and searchable online at www.elec.nj.gov. In the November 2024 presidential election, Cape May County saw Ocean City's precincts tend to exceed the county average, particularly among year-round residents who maintain strong civic engagement. New Jersey holds gubernatorial elections in odd-numbered years, so the 2026 ballot will focus on federal and legislative contests. All of New Jersey's 12 U.S. House seats will be on the ballot, with the city located in the 2nd Congressional District. All 40 New Jersey State Senate seats and all 80 General Assembly seats will be contested in 2026. Cape May County offices potentially on the ballot include County Clerk, County Surrogate (if the term expires), and County Freeholder positions. Ocean City does not hold municipal elections in even-numbered years. New Jersey has universal mail-in voting, allowing any registered voter to request a mail-in ballot without providing a reason. Applications can be submitted online through the Capemay County Clerk's website, by mail, or in person. The County Clerk must receive mail-in ballot applications by 7 days before the election for mail delivery, though voters can apply in person until 3 p.m. The day before the election. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 48 hours of polls closing, or hand-delivered to the Capemay County Clerk or designated drop boxes by 8 p.m. On Election Day.