New Jersey Assembly Bill A2490

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Permits county board of elections to begin canvassing early votes before election day under certain conditions; permits county board of elections to begin counting mail-in ballots as mail-in ballots are received by county board.

Impact

The changes proposed by A2490 are significant in the context of New Jersey's electoral framework, as the current law prohibits early vote canvassing until election day. By allowing for earlier canvassing, the bill intends to facilitate a more efficient election process. Furthermore, it aims to secure the integrity and secrecy of early votes and mail-in ballots, placing responsibility on county boards to implement strict guidelines established by the Secretary of State to maintain these standards.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2490 aims to enhance the election process in New Jersey by allowing county boards of elections to canvass early votes 24 hours after the conclusion of the early voting period, as well as enabling them to start counting mail-in ballots as soon as they are received. This bill amends existing legislation regarding the treatment and confidentiality of early votes and mail-in ballots while ensuring that the processes align with updated laws governing elections.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding A2490 pertains to the potential implications for voter privacy and election security. Critics may argue that permitting early counting might lead to premature disclosures of voting trends, thus affecting public perceptions and electoral outcomes. Additionally, the bill extends criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of early voting results, which raises concerns about the balance between transparency and confidentiality in the electoral process, ensuring that vital election information is protected until polls close.