Ballot tracking process moving forward at Mercer County Board of Elections after delay due to COVID-19

The ballot receiving process for tracking ballots electronically was delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak that affected Mercer County Board of Elections workers. But a spokesperson for the county confirmed on Thursday that ballots are now being tracked as part of the online “Track My Ballot” system.

Two workers at the Mercer County Board of Elections tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago. The two workers and other workers who were in close contact with them were then quarantined for 14 days. All full-time staff at the board have not returned to work yet, but Mercer County Spokesperson Julie Willmot said the county is supplementing the staff with other county employees who have been temporarily assigned to the Mercer County Board of Elections. 

The ballot receiving process for tracking purposes was delayed due to the positive COVID-19 tests, Willmot said, adding that the office is up and running and is now able to track ballots.

Every municipality in Mercer County is accepting ballots via drop boxes. There is also a ballot box at the temporary headquarters for the Mercer County Board of Elections at1440 Parkside Avenue in Ewing.

For voters who prefer to hand-deliver their ballots to the Mercer County Board of Elections, a county employee is accepting ballots in person during office hours at the 1440 Parkside Avenue location. Willmot said there was one day about two weeks ago where the building was closed for cleaning and an employee was not accepting ballots. County residents who dropped off ballots that day were directed to place them in the drop box.

Under New Jersey law, the board cannot start scanning the ballots until 10 days before the general election.

This Friday, Oct. 23, is the last day you can request a mail-in ballot.

For more information about the Nov. 3 election, options for submitting your mail=in ballot, Princeton School Board candidate profiles, and more, visit our elections page.