Requires candidate for elective public office to file with nominating petition specific affirmation that candidate has not been convicted of disqualifying crimes.
Impact
The introduction of this bill modifies the current legal framework governing candidate nominations by broadening the scope to include all candidates for elective positions. This increased scrutiny is intended to deter candidates with disqualifying criminal backgrounds from attempting to seek public office, thereby aiming to restore public confidence in electoral candidates and the electoral process itself.
Summary
Bill A568 is a proposed legislation in New Jersey that aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process by requiring candidates for state, county, and municipal elective public offices to provide a specific affirmation with their nominating petitions. This affirmation certifies that the candidate has not been convicted of any disqualifying crime, specifically those graded as crimes of the first, second, third, or fourth degree under Title 2C of the New Jersey statutes. It is an extension of the existing requirement applicable primarily to candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of the State Senate and General Assembly.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding the interpretation of what constitutes a disqualifying crime and how it may affect individuals who have experienced expungement. Additionally, debate may arise concerning the potential impact on candidates from marginalized communities who may have a higher likelihood of past convictions. Critics may argue that such requirements could unintentionally limit access to political representation, especially for those who have made significant rehabilitative efforts.
Enforcement
The bill mandates that the affirmation form be annexed to candidates' nominating petitions, ensuring that compliance is verifiable and that candidates are accountable for their affirmations. This process places a legal obligation on candidates to disclose any disqualifying convictions, aiming for transparency. The enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance would need to be defined to adequately address any violations.
Requires candidate for elective public office to file with nominating petition specific affirmation that candidate has not been convicted of disqualifying crimes.
In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.
Requires candidate for elective public office to file with nominating petition specific affirmation that candidate has not been convicted of disqualifying crimes.
Ensures persons interested in filling certain vacancies in nominations for public office have access to certain information and to legal representation throughout selection process.
Ensures persons interested in filling certain vacancies in nominations for public office have access to certain information and to legal representation throughout selection process.
A resolution relating to the Senate Code of Ethics governing the conduct of members of the Senate in relation to their senatorial duties during the Ninety-first General Assembly.(See SR 1.)
A resolution relating to the Senate Code of Ethics governing the conduct of members of the Senate in relation to their senatorial duties during the Ninety-first General Assembly.(Formerly SSB 1020.)
A resolution relating to the Senate Code of Ethics governing the conduct of members of the Senate in relation to their senatorial duties during the Ninetieth General Assembly.(See SR 1.)
A resolution relating to the Senate Code of Ethics governing the conduct of members of the Senate in relation to their senatorial duties during the Ninetieth General Assembly.(Formerly SSB 1075.)
Drains: other; definition of per diem and compensation for drainage boards; modify. Amends secs. 72, 384, 441, 464 & 515 of 1956 PA 40 (MCL 280.72 et seq.).