The deadline to register to vote in New Jersey is today (October 14, 2008) but thats not stopping New Jerseyans from rushing to get their applications in.  Election Officials say they've never seen this many registrations before and partly attribute the increase to presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama. 

    The two candidates were part of the reason, 31-year old Andrea Lyons decided to register.

   Lyons moved from Philadelphia, PA to Lawrenceville, NJ two years ago but only recently registered her new address. 

       27-year old, Fanta Weekes can relate.  The Trenton resident moved three years ago from Hamilton, but never registered her new address.  It was her boyfriend who encouraged her to follow-up before the deadline. 

    "This is the biggest election ever she said seriously. I would hate to not be able to vote because of a technicality."

      Weekes received her voter registration card about two weeks ago and proudly carries it on her wallet. 

    However, with the increase in applications, not everyone will get a voter registration card before Election Day.  Election Officials are working overtime and around the clock to accommodate the massive paperwork, but it may not be enough. New applicants are guaranteed they can vote on Election Day but some will be given a provisional ballot.

    So while that thats not as exciting as actually going in the booth and pulling the lever for your candidate, your voice still countsgranted you get your application in on time. 

    Scared you wont make it in time? Your best bet is to log onto www.njelections.org, download an application and drop it off at your nearest post office.  The deadline to register to vote in New Jersey is Tuesday, October 14 and as long as you have a postmark, your application will be processed.

    Make New Jersey voices count!

 Provisional ballots are counted after officials verify that said voter is actually register.

    "Oh yeah, I took care of that finally" she said breezily.