Mayor’s Column: Vote By Mail program both simple and convenient
The right to vote is one of the cornerstones of our American democracy. The ability to vote is now more convenient than ever as a result of the Camden County Vote By Mail Program. The Vote By Mail (VBM) program replaces the former Absentee Ballot Program. A voter is no longer required to provide an excuse or reason to cast a ballot through the mail to avoid going to the polls on Election Day. VBM is available to all registered voters.
The first step in the process is to submit an application for a ballot. Applications were sent in January to all registered voters in Voorhees. If you need another one, VBM applications are available at the County Clerk’s Office, the Voorhees Town Hall, or the County Store located in the Voorhees Town Center. Applications are also available on the County Clerk’s web page at www.camdencounty.com/clerk or www.camdencounty.com/vbm. There is no postage required to mail the application. Your VBM application must be received by the County Clerk no later than 7 days prior to the election, or you can apply in person at the County Clerk’s Office up to 3 p.m. the day prior to the election.
The application includes instructions. If you need assistance completing the application, someone may help you but that person must complete the assistor section of the application.
The application also includes two options regarding future elections. The first option allows you to automatically receive a ballot for every election for the remainder of the calendar year. You will also be sent an application at the beginning of the following year. The second option allows you to be sent a ballot for every November General Election until you request otherwise. If you do not chose an option, you will receive a ballot for only the election you chose in Box #1.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive your VBM ballot 45 days prior to Election Day. Instructions will be included with your ballot. Once completed, the ballot is then mailed to the County Board of Elections. There is no postage required to return your ballot. The ballot must be received by the County Board of Election before the close of polls on Election Day.
If you did not receive or return your VBM Ballot, you may still vote by provisional ballot at the polls.
The Vote By Mail Program is simple and convenient. For further information about VBM, call the office of the Camden County Clerk at (856) 225–7219 and speak with a member of the Election Division or you can visit www.camdencounty.com/clerk or www.camdencounty.com/vbm.
**At a press conference on Sept. 20, Voorhees Township and Evesham Township announced the extension of the Evesham/Voorhees Saves Lives Program for another year. This program is a joint venture between the two municipalities along with Uber and BeMyDD to help our residents get home safely from local bars and restaurants seven days a week from the hours of 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. To date, the program has safely taken over 2000 Evesham and Voorhees residents to their homes free of charge. The program has also reduced the number of DUI arrests and accidents.
No tax dollars are used for this program. It is fully funded through contributions from local foundations, donors and businesses. Uber vehicles provide free rides home to either Voorhees or Evesham residents from participating establishments in both townships. Residents simply open the Uber app at one of the participating restaurants/bars and will see a “safe ride” option at the bottom of the screen. A free Uber ride home will be provided. The free service will not be provided from one establishment to another.
** On Fri., Oct. 21, the Voorhees Town Center will again host Thriller Night starting at 7 p.m. along the Boulevard. Enjoy “Spirit Hours” with specials at the bars of Iron Hill Brewery, Rodizio Grill and Catelli Duo. At 7 p.m., watch The Nightmare Before Christmas on a 20 ft. outdoor movie screen. Immediately following the movie there will be a live re-enactment of Thriller performed by Today’s Dance Center.
** On Mon., Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m., Voorhees Township will honor those who have worn the uniform of the United States Military with the addition of 37 new members to our Veterans Wall of Honor. The program will be held in the Macy’s Court on the lower level of the Voorhees Town Center. The Wall of Honor is located in Town Hall. We will always be thankful to those who protected our freedom.
** The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation will hold its 14th Annual Birthday Bash on Friday, Oct. 28 from 6:30 p.m. until midnight at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin. The Foundation furnishes Teen Lounges in hospitals to enhance the quality of life for teens with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Tickets are $130. For more information, call (856) 784–0615 or visit info@arvf.org.
**The Ashley Paul Memorial Foundation will be hosting the 2nd Annual Halloween Costume 5K “Run for Your Life” on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Eastern Regional High School. Check in starts at 8 a.m. and the Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. The cost is $20 and registration ends Oct. 27 at 10 p.m. Ashley was a caring, vibrant young woman who was very involved in our community, coaching field hockey at Voorhees Middle School and in the Voorhees Girls Lacrosse Program. On June 29, 2012 Ashley passed away at the tender age of 20 after being involved in an ATV accident. The foundation carries on Ashley’s spirit by fostering volunteerism and involvement in the Voorhees Community. For more information, email memoryofashleypaul@aol.com.
** Voorhees Township’s Annual Halloween Festival will be held on Sun., Oct. 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year for the first time the event will be held at The Voorhees Town Center. Take an old-fashioned hayride or pick a pumpkin from the Voorhees Business Association’s Pumpkin Patch. Candy and refreshments will be plentiful. Activities will include a Halloween Costume Parade, pumpkin painting and decorating, balloon artists, a Halloween themed magic show and face painting. The Voorhees Township Police Department will be providing Halloween safety tips and conducting a Kids’ I.D. card registration. For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com or call 856–882-SHOW.
