It’s both sad and happy that our social media feeds are flooded with tributes to Dolly Parton. Everyone from Eminem to Gov. Sherrill posted personal, heartfelt messages. Our own Leslie Bockol posted a poignant Dolly quote, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
Speaking of which, live your life so that you are beloved by the Muppets.
We will always love you.
With Dolly’s words in mind, we want to take a moment to talk about Vote by Mail and also Early Voting.
We had hoped for more from the Supreme Court (positivity, people!). But we weren’t surprised that they decided to muck with vote by mail 10 weeks before a consequential election. Because of course they did.
As of late Thursday night, USPS is BLOCKED from implementing Trump’s unconstitutional executive order.
From NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport:
"Major news: the federal district court just blocked the federal government's unconstitutional vote-by-mail restrictions. Can't say it better than the court does here: 'States face irreparable harm where they are required to comply with a likely unconstitutional regulation for which compliance is practically impossible as to the 2026 midterm elections! Now we work to make this initial relief permanent."
25 states, including New Jersey, have joined in a lawsuit challenging Trump’s unlawful USPS rule. In the words of our Governor, Mikie Sherrill: “The Constitution is clear: states run elections, not the federal government.”
All New Jersey Clerk’s offices will continue to process Vote by Mail ballots as per state law. Note that we continue to recommend Vote By Mail, to get your ballots in early, and to USE A COUNTY DROP BOX, not USPS.
Essex County Clerk Chris Durkin issued the statement below regarding Essex County. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WIDELY. Morris and Passaic residents, county specific info below, keep reading.
Note that Essex County mail in ballots will start going out on September 19th. Yes, that is just over THREE WEEKS from now. If you’re a mail-in ballot user, you can hold the line for now or, if you like, switch your status to in-person no later than Sept. 4. If you are planning to switch, DO IT NOW.
HOWEVER. A few important thoughts.
First, different counties have different deadlines. Here are the info links for each county in our district:
Morris: August 31 (click HERE or call 973-285-6066 for more information)
Essex: September 4 (click HERE or call 973-621-4922 for more information)
Passaic: September 8 (click HERE or call 973-881-4127 for more information)
All other counties here
Next, we have always recommended using a ballot drop box instead of a mail box to return mail-in ballots. We now think it’s the ONLY way to go. The best, quickest, and most reliable way to cast a Vote by Mail ballot is by depositing it in one of your county’s drop boxes. Skip the post office mailboxes altogether and avoid Trump’s bogus USPS drama. Drop box locations are listed here, find the one nearest you. And don’t forget to add your telephone number and email address to the outside of your ballot so that the Clerk’s office can contact you if your ballot has an issue and needs to be cured.
Also, set up a My Voter account on the State BoE website so you can track your ballot. We love the peace of mind we get seeing that our ballot is safely in the hands of our election officials.
WE LOVE EARLY VOTING. Seriously, we love it with a passion. Vote early with a Vote by Mail ballot IN A DROP BOX, or vote early in person. Find early voting locations here. Early voting locations will be open October 24– November 1, hours are Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Remember, ANYONE can always vote in person with a provisional ballot. PROVISIONAL VOTES COUNT. Yes, they get counted last, but they GET COUNTED just like any other vote. You can vote a provisional ballot in person early or on Election Day, even if you received a vote by mail ballot.
One last thing! Congresswoman Mejia is hosting a tele-town hall on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd at 6 PM. She will be joined by Essex Clerk Chris Durkin and Passaic Clerk Danielle Ireland-Imhof, who will be sharing their insights on how we can protect our voting rights, and answering your questions live. Register for this important call here.
A quick message from our Congresswoman:
“The people trying to make voting harder nationally are counting on you being too confused, or too exhausted, to act. So here's what I'm asking of NJ-11: stay sharp with trusted messengers, like NJ 11th for Change and me, because they will try to bury you in confusion. Make your plan now — early voting, a secure drop box, or Election Day in person. And then multiply yourself: grab a friend, organize your block, carpool your neighbors to the polls. Don't just vote. Vote like an organizer, because that's what protecting this democracy is going to take.
Join me next Wednesday for a Tele-Town Hall I'm hosting on this exact issue with Essex County Clerk Durkin and Passaic County Clerk Ireland-Imhof. Bring your questions! I want to hear them directly.”
This is a vital moment to remember who we are: a group of concerned citizens advocating for our fellow citizens here in the 11th Congressional District, for our neighbors in the 7th and across the state. To do that on purpose means that we are out there knocking on doors, talking to our friends and neighbors, and voting. Canvassing and phone banking shifts are happening right now.
Election Day is the last day you can vote and it is coming up fast. 68 days! “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” Thank you, Dolly Parton. You are the best of us and will be sorely missed.
Events…
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Hit the doors to elect NJ Democrats Morris County
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Palm Card at the Montclair Farmers Market with Team Mejía
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Women’s Equality Weekend of Action in Summit with Team Rebecca
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Team Rebecca Weekend Canvass in Summit
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Montville, Boonton & Parsippany Area Carpool to CD7 for Rebecca Bennett
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Hit the doors to elect NJ Democrats Morris County
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Team Rebecca Weekend Canvass in Berkeley Heights!
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Women’s Equality Weekend of Action with Team Rebecca
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Monday, August 31, 2026
Make Calls with Team Mejía on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
6:00 PM (Virtual–attend from anywhere!)
Follow the link to sign up!
Palm Card at the South Orange Farmers Market with Team Mejía
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Make Calls with Team Mejía on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Follow the link for details and to sign up!
Request a Lawn Sign for Analilia!
Follow the link to submit your pre-order for later pickup!
Montclair Protest: Standing Up to Trump!
Sundays at 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street in Montclair. Come from any/all surrounding communities. Come this Sunday, next Sunday, any Sunday, every Sunday for a peaceful protest of this outrageous regime.
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NJ 11th for Change is a 501(c)(4) unaffiliated organization dedicated to advocating for all people of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. We foster an engaged and informed community with the power to shape our political representation so that it is transparent, responsive and accountable—and so that it reflects the values of fairness, compassion, inclusivity and a decent quality of life.