Middlesex County Strengthens Security Ahead of the 2026 General Election

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - As the 2026 General Election on Tuesday, November 3, approaches, Middlesex County officials remain committed to a secure, fair, and transparent voting process in compliance with state and federal regulations. Building on established, robust procedures, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, the Office of the County Clerk, and the Board of Elections carefully consider every aspect of the voting process, from disseminating voting information to residents to ensuring that troubleshooting measures are in place at every step.

"Middlesex County takes the security and integrity of every election seriously," said

Middlesex County Prosecutor Linda Estremera. "From early voting through Election Day, established security measures and coordinated efforts are in place to help ensure voters can cast their ballots safely and without intimidation or interference. No matter whom a voter chooses to support, every eligible voter should feel confident that they can participate in our elections safely and free from interference."

NEW AND CONTINUED SECURITY MEASURES

1. Comprehensive Physical and Cybersecurity Protections

• Expanded perimeter security, including surveillance cameras and controlled access.
• Continuous interior monitoring and managed personnel access.
• Ballots are collected regularly and are monitored by video surveillance at Middlesex County drop boxes.
• Poll workers receive hands-on, small-group training to ensure readiness.
• Every polling site is staffed by trained officials from both major political parties. All staff are sworn to uphold state election laws, overseen by the bipartisan Board of Elections.
• Experienced poll masters in large municipalities coordinate with Municipal Clerks and the Board of Elections to immediately troubleshoot throughout the Early Voting period and on Election Day.
• IT professionals and election vendors are stationed throughout the County on Election Day to provide on-site technical support and ensure smooth operations at polling locations.

2. Secure Voting Machines and Data Integrity

• Comprehensive testing of voting machines to prevent tampering.
• The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) certifies each voting machine to meet stringent security standards.
• Machines utilize unique encryption keys for each election, with only authorized USB drives programmed for the 2026 General Election.
• Election Day routers operate on an independent network provided by the State of New Jersey through AT&T's FirstNet Public Safety network.
• Voting systems use advanced cryptographic technologies, such as hash validation and digital signing, ensuring data integrity throughout the election process.
• Election Management System operates on hardened computers locked down for election use only - no internet access, no unauthorized devices, and restricted functions limited to running the election.
• A paper trail backs every vote, and post-election audits using statistical methods verify machine-tabulated results against a manual count.

3. Prompt and Thorough Investigations into Voter Fraud

• Close collaboration between the Prosecutor's Office and the Board of Elections to address any reports of voter fraud swiftly and thoroughly.
• Vote-by-mail is tightly secured: voters may apply online or by paper application. Signatures on mail-in ballot certificates are verified against the voter's registration record in the Statewide Voter Registration System. Voters whose ballot certificates have missing or discrepant signatures are notified and given the opportunity to "cure" the issue.
• Robust reconciliation procedures ensure all ballots - whether by mail, early voting, or on Election Day - are accurately counted and matched to the voter history.
• Identification is required to drop off completed Mail-In Ballots at the Middlesex County Board of Elections.
• Open communication with residents for timely investigations into potential voter fraud.

"Voters deserve to have confidence that their ballots are handled securely from the moment they cast their ballot through the certification of election results," said Middlesex County Clerk Nancy J. Pinkin. "Our office works closely with the Board of Elections, law enforcement, and our state and federal partners to provide a voting process that is accurate, transparent, and accessible. We want every Middlesex County voter to know that their voice matters and that we are committed to protecting their right to participate in our democracy."

HOW TO VOTE IN THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION

Middlesex County residents have several convenient and accessible ways to vote in the upcoming General Election, including:

Return a Mail-In Ballot

Voters who receive a Mail-In Ballot have three ways to return it:

• Secure Ballot Drop Box - Voters may deposit their completed and sealed Mail-In Ballot in any designated Middlesex County Board of Elections drop box by 8 pm on Tuesday, November 3. Click here for a complete list of drop box locations.
• Board of Elections - Completed Mail-In Ballots may be delivered directly to the Middlesex County Board of Elections at 26 Kennedy Boulevard, Suite B, East Brunswick, by 8 pm on Tuesday, November 3.
• USPS - Ballots returned through USPS must be postmarked on or before 8 pm on Tuesday, November 3.
• • It is recommended to mail ballots at least one week before Election Day to ensure timely arrival.

In-person Early Voting

• Voters may cast their ballot at any of the 10 Early Voting Locations during the Early Voting Period, from Saturday, October 24, through Sunday, November 1.
• Early Voting locations will be open Monday through Saturday, 10 am-8 pm, and Sunday, 10 am-6 pm.
• Voters who receive a Mail-In Ballot but do not return their ballot may still vote in person by provisional ballot at an early voting location.

In-person Voting on Election Day

• Voters may vote in person at their assigned polling place from 6 am to 8 pm onTuesday, November 3, 2026.
• Voters who receive a Mail-In Ballot but do not return their ballot may still vote in person by provisional ballot at their assigned polling place.

Voters who have questions or concerns about their eligibility to vote are encouraged to contact the Middlesex County Board of Elections at 732-745-3471 for assistance. For any questions or concerns related to voting, call the Middlesex County Clerk's Office at 732-745-4202.

For more information about voting in Middlesex County, including Mail-In Ballot applications, Early Voting locations, Election Day polling locations, secure ballot drop box locations, and election deadlines, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/vote.

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