New Jersey Assembly Bill A3658

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22

Caption

Allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or unsealed inner envelope.

Impact

This bill impacts the state laws governing mail-in voting by creating a clear pathway for voters to address and rectify deficiencies in their mail-in ballots. It amends Section 17 of P.L.2009, c.79 (C.19:63-17), ensuring that ballots can still be counted if voters can demonstrate the completion of their voting process despite previous errors. This amendment aims to enhance elections' integrity and ensure that eligible voters can effectively participate in the electoral process without fear of disenfranchisement due to minor technicalities.

Summary

Assembly Bill 3658 aims to amend existing legislation regarding mail-in voting in New Jersey. The bill allows voters to 'cure' their mail-in ballots if there are issues such as a missing or unsealed inner envelope. Under previous laws, mail-in ballots could be disqualified for such issues, leading to voter disenfranchisement. The introduction of this bill is a response to concerns about the accessibility and fairness of the voting process, and it seeks to enhance voter participation by providing opportunities to correct ballot defects before ballots are officially rejected.

Contention

The bill's provisions have been met with both support and opposition. Advocates argue that it will improve voter access and uphold the principles of democracy by ensuring that more votes are counted. Critics, however, might express concerns about potential challenges related to the verification process and the integrity of elections, emphasizing the need for secure methods of curing ballots that do not compromise the system's overall trustworthiness. Such discussions touch on broader themes of electoral security versus accessibility, highlighting the ongoing debate within state legislatures regarding mail-in voting practices.