It's never been more important to vote and there is still time to register! The New Jersey voter registration deadline is October 13, and the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers-New Brunswick offers resources to help you navigate the voting process, including the RU Voting-National Website, a one-stop-shop to register, get informed, and find out how to cast your ballot.

Included is information for New Jersey residents:

Still have a question or are unsure about your voting rights? Chat with an expert from Eagleton Institute of Politics, and a member of the RU Voting-National team will assist you.

You can also contribute to the democratic process while being compensated for your time by applying to be a poll worker. Or, attend one of Eagleton Institute of Politics online events to learn more about state and national political issues. 

Rutgers remains on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. Below are just a few of the stories that Rutgers' experts have contributed to in the fight to combat the coronavirus:

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health present free breast cancer events for screening, information, and tips.

Community members are invited to come together on October 7 at 5 p.m. to honor the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg at a candlelight vigil at Monument Square on George Street, New Brunswick. Face coverings are required.

Join the discussion October 8 with the Freedom of Expression Panel to explore complexities faced by artists and institutions grappling with questions of censorship and rights under the First Amendment, presented by Windows of Understanding and the Rutgers Department of Art & Design. Registration is required.

Rutgers political historian David Greenberg will discuss "The Life and Legacy of John R. Lewis," including Lewis's work in the civil rights movement, his transition to elected office, and the achievements that made him a national icon October 8. Registration is required.

Discover the insights science fiction can provide about climate change and its impacts when best-selling author Kim Stanley Robinson reads from his new book, The Ministry for the Future, followed by a panel discussion with Rutgers faculty, October 8. Registration is required.

Rutgers faculty from the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center will join other leading national experts to discuss "Preventing Firearm Suicide Across Diverse Communities and Settings" October 8. The discussion will explore how COVID-19 and the current racial justice movement might impact the approach to firearm suicide prevention.

The New Jersey Film Festival 2020 features 40 film premiers, including The Pine Barrens (October 9), In Case of Emergency (October 10), and The Covenant (October 11). View the full schedule for a complete listing.

Join host Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things on October 14 for '80s Online Trivia Night sponsored by the State Theatre New Jersey. Test your knowledge about cabbage patch dolls, leg warmers, Madonna, and much more. First place winner receives at $150 State Theatre gift certificate.

Other online events at the State Theatre this month include, An Evening of New York Songs and Stories by Suzanne Vega, October 7; Max Major Remote Control: A Mindreading Experiment, October 9-11; Ben Seidman Camera Tricks, October 16; and RBG: Hero. Icon. Dessenter documentary for rent or purchase.

Rutgers' virtual series "Earth Day Every Day" continues through November 2. This engaging series will help you take small steps to protect the environment. Each segment presents a different topic, such as "What is an energy audit and do you need one?" on October 13.

Have a great business idea or just want to update your current business practices? The NJ Small Business Development Center at Rutgers New Brunswick is offering the Lean Business Planning Workshop October 15-November 12. A comprehensive course for developing new business and product ideas. Registration is required.

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce's 19th Annual Women's Leadership Summit continues each Friday through October 23. Each virtual segment will feature professionals who bring their expertise and personal experience into insightful and empowering sessions. Registration is required.

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce also presents "Chip in America: Community Partnership Crossing the Bridge Post Covid-19" as part of the Chamber's Non-Profit Roundtable Series October 14. Registration is required.

Adults can explore various art techniques for rubbings to capture different textures and forms and then use those to create a collage in this workshop offered by the Zimmerli Art Museum. Registration is required for the Impression Collage workshop on October 24. Also, Art Together, a free family art class, and Art Before/After Hours have returned. Visit the website for upcoming dates and times.

The 20th Annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival is going virtual. Ticket go on sale October 14 and films begin November 8. On October 25, The Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life presents "Jerusalem: City of the Book." This online discussion will tell the story of the ancient city and its people of diverse faiths and cultures.

Crossroads Theatre Company offers virtual events this month with Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, a look at the fallout from the 1992 Los Angeles uprisings following the Rodney King trial. Also premiering this month is Town Talks - The Vote. Tune in October 28-November 3 for community conversations that inspire, engage, and promote change.

Rutgers Geology Museum continues the Ask A Geologist series on Friday, October 9, with Dr. Sarah Sheffield presenting on Echinoderm Paleontology, a group of marine animals such as starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers.

Rutgers PilotMe has moved to Zoom. Children in grades 1-6 can work with a Rutgers student to receive mentorship & homework help beginning October 9. Sign up by emailing rupilotme@gmail.com. Sponsored by New Brunswick Free Public Library.

Bring a blanket and wear your mask for Outdoor Story Time on the front lawn of the New Brunswick Free Public Library Tuesdays in October, weather permitting.

Kids age 7-18 can develop their public speaking and literacy skills Saturday mornings with the NJ Orators Program, New Jersey Chapter. Contact devlin.ponte@gmail.com for more information.

Stop by the Unity Square Community Center on Halloween, October 31, to pick up a grab-and-go bag for your trick-or-treater. Donations of treats and school supply items such as pencils, crayons, and paper are also welcome. Call 732-545-0329 for information.

Missing live musical theater? Enjoy your favorite musical hits every Saturday at Broadway on George, a 90-minute socially-distanced show tune spectacular at Tavern on George along with a three course luncheon. Reserve your tickets today.

New Brunswick City Center Kick Off Weekend celebrates the return of Rutgers football October 22-25. Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining, football games on giant screens along George Street, and live music with socially distancing measures in place.

Calling all dog (and football!) lovers. Every Friday through October 30 is Yappy Hour at the Hyatt Regency. Bring your four-legged friend for a special happy hour. On Sundays, watch the local NFL games outdoors on the big screen with tons of game day eats.

In need of a laugh? The Stress Factory Comedy Club has a full line up this month, including Vinnie Brand Teacher Appreciation Night (October 8), Sean Donnelly (October 11), and Nikki Glaser (October 22-24.)

Brick Farm Market & Tavern joins Middlesex County's East Jersey Old Town Village to present an old-fashioned Fall Farmer's Feast October 17. Enjoy a harvest season feast surrounded by an Eighteenth Century village. Advanced ticket purchase is required.

The Yard @ College Avenue welcomes the community back this week for free, socially-distanced programming: Family Yoga Night on Wednesdays at 4 p.m.; Fall Family Movie Series on Fridays at 4 p.m.; and Sunday morning Yoga at 9 a.m.

Former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand has launched a new charitable endeavor that will benefit local businesses. Forbeto (For a Better Tomorrow) represents people, businesses, and charities coming together for the purpose of creating a better tomorrow. Learn more about how you can participate.

The New Brunswick Community Farmers Market is open with appropriate health protocols in place. Visit the market Tuesdays and Saturdays at 178 Jones Avenue, and Wednesdays at Kilmer Square Park, 108 Albany Street.

Cook's Market, an open-air farm market at Rutgers Gardens, remains open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers a variety of local goods, produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. Pre-ordering is encouraged for select vendors through the gardens' online store.

New Brunswick Free Public Library offers contactless, curbside pickup. Staff members, who wear masks and gloves, will pull the books and wrap them in plastic. Reserve books, movies, music online, and join for online story time, and other virtual offerings. The Library is also offering virtual programs throughout the month, including the annual Photography Contest.

Reopened: Clydz Restaurant, 55 Paterson St., New Brunswick

Reopened: Starbucks, 391 George St., New Brunswick

Now Open: WeSL Fitness, 52 Paterson St., New Brunswick, offers personal training specializing in weight loss and conditioning. Contact Mark Boswell at weslfitnessstudio@gmail.com

Census takers will continue visiting homes to collect responses from households that haven't yet filled out the census form. However, households that haven't yet responded can still go online or call toll-free at any time through October 31 to give their answers.