A Somerset County woman will not get to vote in this year’s general election because she never changed her voter registration after moving from Mercer County in late May.
The woman testified that she was previously registered to vote in Mercer. Records indicate she is a Democrat, although her party affiliation was not revealed in court.
Deputy Attorney Judith O’Malley told Judge Robert Wilson that the voter needed to change her address before the October 15 voter registration deadline, and since she no longer lives in Mercer County, she could not return to her old polling location to vote there.
“Ugh,” said a frustrated Wilson.
He ruled that he could not permit her to vote in this election.
“I am very, very sorry to say that,” Wilson said.
The woman said there were extenuating circumstances but did not elaborate when asked whether O’Malley had made any incorrect legal arguments. It’s unclear if the woman changed her address with the Motor Vehicles Commission.
Voters who feel they are being wrongfully disenfranchised have the right to make their case to a judge. This can be done remotely and arranged through the county Board of Elections.
The New Jersey Globe withholds the names of voters who appear before judges to protect their privacy.
