Is there a special election in New Jersey today? April 16 election

Some oters in NJ are heading to the polls Thursday for a little-noticed but high-stakes special election to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill, in a race that has drawn national attention with major implications for control of Congress.

Voters in three New Jersey counties will cast ballots today to temporarily fill the NJ District 11 seat, choosing between Democrat Analilia Mejia, Republican Joe Hathaway and Independent Alan Bond. A Democratic win could narrow Republicans' slim House majority between now and January, since the winner will serve only until Jan. 3, 2027. They will have to run again in the November 2026 general election to hold the seat beyond that.

Why is there a special election in New Jersey?

The special election is being held today, Thursday, April 16, for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District seat, which became vacant when Mikie Sherrill resigned from Congress in November after winning the race for governor.

Under New Jersey law, a vacancy in the U.S. House must be filled through special election rather than appointment, leaving voters to choose a replacement to serve out the term.

New Jersey special election, District 11

Voters today in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District will choose between Analilia Mejia, a Democrat, Joe Hathaway, a Republican, and independent Alan Bond.

Who can vote today in New Jersey?

Here are the counties included in NJ's 11th Congressional District

Only voters who live in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District can vote today. The district spans parts of three counties:

• Essex County
• Morris County
• Passaic County

Where can I vote in NJ today?

Voters can look up their assigned polling location on the New Jersey Polling Place Search tool on the official New Jersey Division of Elections website. If you didn't cast an early vote and are voting today, you have to vote at your assigned polling place.

When do polls close today?

Polling places on Election Day in New Jersey are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

New Jersey voting dates; when are NJ special elections?

Voting day for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District seat is Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Early voting ended on April 14, though you can drop off your mail-in ballot at a drop box or deliver it in person, as long as it's done by 8 p.m. today. You can mail it in, but it must be postmarked by Election Day. Look for a nearby drop-box here.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based news reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network's Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at [email protected].