Every Vote Counts: General Election Information 

If you're anything like me, you feel the entire voting process is rather confusing!  If you did not already know, the Borough of Oakland will be redistricted into Congressional District 9.  Apparently, this happens every ten years after the Census is complete on years ending in zero.  How did I not know this?  Like many of us, maybe I heard about it in my History 101 class and just didn’t pay much attention to it.  Needless to say, in my older, “wiser” years, I try to stay involved in what is happening on a local, county, state and national level.  Hence, I have decided to compose a small reference tool for the process of voting.   

Let's begin with a bit of background information. For the past several decades, Oakland has been in the 5th Congressional District with our neighbors, Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff.  Every 10 years, the Congressional Redistricting Commission, which is comprised of a 13-member body, is responsible for redrawing the congressional districts in NJ.  As of January 1, 2023, Oakland will be part of the 9th Congressional District.  The 9th Congressional District covers parts of Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties. The Bergen County towns include: Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Elmwood Park, Fairview, Franklin Lakes, Garfield, Hasbrouck, Little Ferry, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, North Arlington, Oakland, Ridgefield, Rochelle Park, Rutherford, Saddle Brook, South Hackensack, Teterboro, Wallington, Wood-Ridge and part of Maywood. The Hudson County towns include: Secaucus and part of Kearny. The Passaic County towns include: Clifton, Haledon, Hawthorne, North Haledon, Passaic City, Paterson, Pompton Lakes, Prospect Park and part of Wayne.  If you would like to learn more details on how the commission works, who’s on it, how they are selected, and deadline dates, click here for a great reference.

Now onto local voting...... 

There are 3 ways to vote in New Jersey:  

1. Vote by Mail:  Residents must first apply to Vote by Mail. Applications are available on the Borough website and at the Municipal Clerk’s Office. Applications must be submitted seven (7) days prior to the General Election.  
   1. Vote by Mail Ballots can be returned by mail (MUST be postmarked on or before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).  
   2. By a Secure Ballot Drop Box.  Oakland has a secure drop box directly in front of the Borough Hall.  
   3. By delivering it in person to your county’s Board of Elections Office (One Bergen County Plaza, Room 310, Hackensack, N.J.) by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.   
2. Early Voting: Early voting runs from October 29, 2022 to November 6, 2022. There is no appointment necessary for in-person early voting. For locations click here.   
3. In Person: To view your Polling Location click here. Oakland has eight (8) voting districts. Your district is based solely on where you live.   Polling places are also found on your sample ballot that comes via mail.  

 Click here for a great reference if you would like to learn more about the ways to vote.  

Should residents have any questions, please contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at (201) 337-8111, ext. 2001.  

Our next election is November 8, 2022. Make sure you get out and VOTE to make your voice heard! Remember, every vote counts. GOOD LUCK to all our local candidates!