New Jersey Assembly Bill A3103

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Permits county board of elections to begin counting mail-in ballots up to 14 days prior to election day.

Impact

The bill would amend existing laws that currently prohibit the counting of mail-in ballots until election day. By permitting early counting, the bill not only aims to alleviate the backlog that often accompanies mail-in ballot processing but also to enhance the efficiency of local electoral operations. This shift in policy may also encourage greater voter participation by making the voting process more accessible and administratively smoother for those utilizing mail-in ballots.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3103, introduced in New Jersey, seeks to amend the current protocols surrounding mail-in ballots, allowing county boards of elections to begin counting these ballots up to 14 days prior to election day. This change aims to facilitate a more efficient electoral process as it will allow for quicker tallying of votes, potentially speeding up the announcement of election results. Under the proposed bill, the secrecy and security of mail-in ballots will be safeguarded throughout this process, with strict measures enforced if the counting begins early.

Contention

Notably, while the bill is expected to streamline the mail-in voting process, it may face opposition from those concerned about election integrity. Critics could argue that early counting poses risks to ballot security and the potential for leaks of unofficial results. Proponents of A3103, however, argue that safeguards will maintain confidentiality and that the bill is crucial in adapting New Jersey’s election practices to meet current demands for transparency and efficiency in the voting process.