What's on the November Ballot?

What's on the November Ballot?
What's on the November Ballot?

Roberta Walters

By: Roberta Walters

Published on October 24, 2026

Election season is in full swing. Here is a look at what's on the ballot this year and how Manville voters can cast their vote.

New Jersey gives registered voters three ways to vote: By Mail, Early Voting, and Election Day Voting.

Voting by Mail is already in progress. New Jersey gives voters the opportunity to cast a ballot by mail for the election. In Somerset County, registered voters may complete an application and submit it to the County Clerk's office either by mail or in person.

To receive a ballot by mail, applications must be received no later than 7 days prior to the election for which it is being requested. Voters may apply in person or via authorized messenger up until 3:00pm the day before the election. Voters applying in person will receive their ballot by hand upon submitting the application.

You can apply for a vote by mail ballot here.

Early voting will begin Saturday, October 24th and run until Sunday, November 1st. There are six locations in Somerset County where a ballot can be cast. Hillsborough and Bridgewater's Municipal Centers are the closest locations to Manville. For a full list of locations please click here.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. All Manville voters who choose to vote on Election Day will cast their ballots at the VFW, 600 Washington Avenue. Polls are open from 6:00am to 8:00pm. If you are in line before 8:00pm, poll workers will keep the machines open so you can vote.

There are several offices on this year's ballot. Below is a brief explanation of each office, including the major duties and responsibilities of those running, to help voters understand what they are voting for.

Manville Borough Council

Manville voters will elect two Borough Council members. A Councilmember serves a 3-year term. The Council is the borough's legislative body, responsible for adopting ordinances, resolutions, and approving the municipal budget. Council members also serve on subcommittees overseeing areas such as Finance, Public Works, Public Safety, and Policy & Planning.

Manville Board of Education

The Manville Board of Education is responsible for adopting the policies and regulations that guide how the school district operates. The Board oversees the annual school budget, approves curriculum, hires and evaluates the Superintendent, and represents the public during contract negotiations. It also serves as a vital communication link between the community and the school system.

Board of Education elections are non partisan, meaning candidates do not run as members of political parties.

This election, Manville voters will be asked to elect three members to the Board of Education for a three-year term and two members for a one-year term.

Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

Voters will choose two County Commissioners. Major duties of county government include in the areas of higher education (Raritan Valley Community College), road and bridge maintenance of all county roads, curbside recycling, county parks and recreational facilities, various social services including senior citizen services, public health, and employment training.

Congress: House of Representatives

Manville is part of New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, which elects one member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of Congress serve two year terms and are responsible for proposing and voting on federal laws, shaping the national budget, and overseeing federal agencies.

They also work directly with constituents, helping residents navigate federal programs and advocating for local needs at the national level.

U.S. Senate

New Jersey voters statewide will elect one U.S. Senator. Senators vote on federal laws, budgets, judicial appointments, and national policy.

Additional Voting Information

The names that appear on the ballot are determined by the results of the June Primary Election. Before that, candidates must collect the required number of signatures from registered voters in order to qualify for the primary ballot. Those who win their primary then advance to the General Election ballot in November.

Voters are not limited to the names printed on the ballot. Every ballot includes an option to write in a candidate of your choice. On voting machines, you may select "Write In" and type the name using the provided keyboard. If you vote by mail, you may write the name directly in the designated space before returning your ballot.

Voters who requested a mail in ballot can complete it, secure it according to the instructions, and return it to any secure drop box in Somerset County, including the drop box at Manville's Borough Hall no later than 8:00pm on Election Day, November 3rd.

If you encounter an issue at the polls that prevents you from voting on the machine, you have the right to request a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is a paper ballot that you complete and return to the poll worker. After Election Day, the Board of Elections verifies each provisional ballot to ensure eligibility before counting it.

ManvilleToday encourages all registered voters to review the offices and candidates on the ballot and make their voices heard whether by returning a mail in ballot, voting early at one of Somerset County's six early voting locations, or voting in person at the VFW on Election Day.

For more information on voting, please visit New Jersey Votes.