New Jersey Assembly Bill A1679

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires electronic voting system vendors disclose financial ties prior to electronic voting system approval by Secretary of State.

Impact

The legislation responds to growing concerns around election security and integrity, particularly following incidents that have raised questions about malfeasance within voting companies. States including Maryland and North Carolina have already implemented similar requirements, setting a precedent that New Jersey aims to follow. By ensuring that these disclosures are made publicly available, the bill is expected to build greater trust in the electoral process and in the technology used for voting. If enacted, this legislation could influence the operational requirements for electronic voting vendors, which may need to adapt their disclosure practices in order to comply with New Jersey law.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1679, introduced in New Jersey, seeks to enhance the security and transparency of electronic voting systems by mandating that vendors disclose any financial ties before their systems can be approved for use in elections. The bill specifically focuses on requiring electronic voting system vendors to reveal any owners or shareholders holding a five percent or greater stake in the company, including in subsidiary firms or the parent company. Additionally, vendors must report any significant changes in ownership status over time, which aims to address potential conflicts of interest.

Contention

Notably, the bill is positioned amid a broader national dialogue concerning election security, with advocates arguing that such transparency is crucial for protecting democratic processes. Supporters view the new requirements as vital safeguards against potential manipulation and foreign influence. However, the bill might face opposition from vendors who may be concerned about proprietary information being publicly disclosed. Furthermore, any resistance could stem from fears that stringent regulations may complicate the approval process, possibly hampering the deployment of new voting technologies necessary for modern elections.