Voting began at noon Monday in the contest, sponsored by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and Richard Stockton College's Costal Resource Center.
Ballots can be cast online at www.njtoptenbeaches.org.
The contest was started in 2008, to encourage stewardship of and pride in the state's beaches while promoting a competition for bragging rights among New Jersey's favorite beach towns.
New wrinkles in this year's contest ask beachgoers to consider specific things about their favorite beaches, including how much it costs to access the site and whether amenities such as parking and restrooms are available nearby.
Voting runs through April 30. Winners will be announced on May 22.
