Want To Confirm Your Mail In Ballot Was Counted? Sign Up for “Track My Ballot”

If you’re concerned about mail in balloting and voting, have you heard about the Track My Ballot program?  The program is a state run program that may take some of the mystery out of the mail in ballot voting system in the state.  Or, it could be used by conspiracy theorists to propel further distrust of alternatives to in-person voting.

Track My Ballot confirms that your county elections official has received your ballot.  Not only will it confirm that your ballot was received, it will confirm that your ballot was counted or rejected.  However, even if the ballot is rejected you still may have a chance to have your vote counted.

One of the main reasons for rejecting a mail in ballot is that the signature is missing.  If the signature doesn't match the signature on record the ballot can be rejected too.  Interestingly, if your ballot is rejected for this reason, you may be able to correct the problem.  If your ballot is rejected you have to contact your county board of elections:

To use the Track My Ballot system, you have to create a "My Voter Record" account.  To ensure the security of the program you'll need the following things to register:

After that, you'll create a user name, password and secret question and answer.

Or you can just vote in person during early voting (my favorite) or on election day.

According to reports, more than 965-thousand New Jerseyans have signed up for the ballot-tracking program.  That's only about 15 percent of the state's total electorate.  So far, more than 26-thousand November election ballots have been marked as returned by state elections officials.

Many of us tend to offer apologies too frequently, even when unnecessary. Occasionally, we find ourselves saying "sorry" for circumstances beyond our control, such as unfavorable weather during an event we're hosting. At times, we extend apologies for personal life decisions that are well within our rights, like switching jobs or ending a relationship.

Furthermore, we might apologize due to our heightened sensitivity to others' emotions, in hopes that we didn't accidentally upset them. It’s great to apologize when we've genuinely messed up or think we might have hurt someone without meaning to. But there are some choices we should just own and not feel the need to apologize for.

According to a report by Forbes, excessive apologizing often occurs in individuals who struggle with low self-esteem, a fear of conflict, and a concern about others' opinions. They say this tendency is closely linked to having weak personal boundaries, which can lead to taking responsibility for situations we have no involvement in or no control over. As a result, we quickly experience guilt, as if everything is our fault.

In a study published in The European Journal of Social Psychology, researchers found that with each apology, individuals may experience a decrease in their confidence, potentially influencing their self-image. On the other hand, participants who refrained from expressing remorse in these situations showed signs of higher self-esteem, an increased sense of control, and an enhanced sense of integrity, as per the research findings.

When things get rocky with a partner, friend, family member, or coworker, saying a heartfelt "I'm sorry" can be the way to patch things up. Ideally, both sides would do some soul-searching and own up to any wrongdoing. If you're wondering whether you should apologize for something, just take a peek at situations where there may be no need to apologize.

Your aspirations and career choices are deeply personal, and you should never feel the need to apologize for following your passions. Go after what makes you happy. Embrace your journey and stay committed to your dreams.

Establishing boundaries is crucial for your well-being. It's a sign of self-respect and self-care, and there's no reason to apologize for defining what you're comfortable with and what you're not. It's okay to say no and stand up for your own needs.

Politely declining requests or invitations is about respecting your own priorities and limitations. You should never apologize for making choices that align with your needs and values. If you'd rather binge a show and relax than go out, that's your call. No need to apologize for prioritizing what matters to you.

Taking time for self-care, whether it's a mental health day, a spa visit, or simply some downtime, is essential. You don't need to apologize for nurturing your physical and emotional health. Taking some "me-time" is a must.

Decisions regarding your appearance, health, or lifestyle are personal matters. There's no requirement to apologize for choices that are made responsibly and considerately. If you've noticed some silver strands or a couple of extra pounds, you might be tempted to say sorry for these changes in your looks. Don't. It's best to steer clear of apologies and self-critical remarks, as they can undermine your self-assurance and influence how others perceive you.

Your emotional and mental well-being should always be a priority. Don't apologize for ending toxic relationships that no longer serve your best interests. Toxic friendships or partnerships? Walk away with your head held high.

Everyone needs a break from time to time. Whether it's for rest or recreation, you should never apologize for taking the time to relax, recharge, and enjoy life. It's okay to take a step back every now and then.

Experiencing and expressing emotions is part of being human. You should never apologize for your feelings. There is nothing wrong with showing your emotions. Everyone has them.

Achieving success through hard work and dedication is a significant accomplishment. It's something to celebrate, not something to feel sorry for. You worked hard for your achievements, so flaunt them.

It's important to recognize that you are not responsible for how others feel or their personal insecurities. It's not your job to apologize for things that aren't your fault. People's emotions and self-esteem are shaped by a variety of factors, including their own experiences and perceptions. Being understanding and empathetic is great, but don't carry the weight of apologizing for things that aren't on you. It's a surefire way to end up feeling unnecessarily guilty.