NJ Updates: Events, Deadlines, Programs, Guidance, and More

Prolonged dry conditions across the State have necessitated Stage 3 fire restrictions statewide. These restrictions ban wood and charcoal fires, allowing only propane, natural gas, or electric stoves. The dry weather, combined with high winds and low humidity, raises wildfire risks. This is particularly true for the Pinelands region of the State.

New Jersey is operating under a Drought Watch. The drought index indicates severe dryness, with current readings near record levels. The State is asking residents and businesses to reduce their use of water to help protect our water supplies.

The 2024 General Election will be held on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.  

There are a few changes to New Jersey Vote-By-Mail for 2024. Here's a brief guide to voting by mail in this year's elections in New Jersey.

• Eligibility: All active registered voters are entitled to vote by mail.
• Requesting a Ballot:
  • By Mail: Request by Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
  • In-Person: By 3:00 p.m. the day before the election, Monday, November 4, 2024.

• Returning Your Ballot:

• Mail: Postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, received within six days post-election.
• Drop Box: Place in a secure ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
• In-Person: Deliver to the county Board of Elections by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
• Tracking: Verify receipt of your ballot via the Track My Ballot Portal.
• Opting Out: If you opt out of voting by mail after a ballot has been issued, you may vote by casting a provisional ballot at the polls during Early Voting or on Election Day.
• Correcting Errors: Contact your County Clerk for a replacement if you spoil or lose your ballot.
• Vote Counting: All valid ballots postmarked by Election Day and delivered by mail to the County Board of Elections no later than 144 hours (six days) from the time of the closing of the polls will be counted. Valid ballots delivered by the U.S. Post Office no later than 48 hours (two days) without a postmark will be counted.

For assistance, visit Vote.NJ.gov or contact your County Clerk or Board of Elections.

Behavioral healthcare professionals in New Jersey can qualify for up to $180,000 in student loan relief through the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). Eligible applicants who work full-time at approved sites can receive up to $150,000 in student loan redemption over six years, with an additional $5,000 in stipends per year for those serving children and adolescents, totaling $180,000. Applications accepted through October 31, 2024.

Students interested in homeland security, emergency preparedness, or cybersecurity can apply for paid in-person internships with NJOHSP from January 21 to April 11, 2025. Positions, offering $20/hour, are located in Hamilton, West Trenton, or Newark, NJ, with up to 21 work hours per week. Applicants must be full-time students, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and complete a background check. Required documents include a resume, transcript, cover letter, and writing sample. Apply by November 14, 2024.

Residents are reminded to drive carefully as daylight hours shorten and the risk of deer collisions increases.

White-tailed deer are involved in thousands of motor vehicle collisions every year. Most of those collisions occur during peak deer mating season, which in New Jersey runs from late October through mid-December. Many car commuters drive at times of day when deer are most active, and when lighting conditions may make driving more difficult.

New Jersey clocks fall back one hour with the return to Eastern Standard Time at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

All State offices will be closed for Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024 and for Veterans' Day on Monday, November 11, 2024.