New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1275

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Concerning noncitizens voting in local elections and conduct in office by local government officers.

Impact

The enactment of A1275 would directly influence local laws and governance by reinforcing the requirement that voting is a right reserved for citizens only. It effectively centralizes voting eligibility laws at the state level, negating any local efforts made in municipalities that attempt to include noncitizens in the electoral process. This legislative move could lead to significant changes in local governance, as officials would be limited in their ability to craft inclusive voting policies and would face penalties for not complying with the state mandates outlined in the bill.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1275 addresses the eligibility of noncitizens to participate in local elections by declaring any policy allowing such participation as against public policy and therefore null and void. The bill is grounded in the New Jersey Constitution, emphasizing that only individuals who are citizens of the United States may vote in elections held within the state. This legislation aims to restrict local governments from adopting any ordinances or rules that would enable noncitizens to vote, which has become a contentious issue in various municipalities where such practices have been observed.

Contention

Notably, the bill also amends the 'Local Government Ethics Law' to encompass violations of an elected local government officer's oath of office regarding the approval of ordinances that might contravene this new stipulation. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately affect communities with significant noncitizen populations, potentially silencing their voices in local governance. Proponents, however, maintain that it is essential to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, arguing that noncitizen voting undermines the democratic principle of citizenship.

Companion Bills

NJ S2561

Same As Concerning noncitizens voting in local elections and conduct in office by local government officers.

NJ A3441

Carry Over Concerning noncitizens voting in local elections and conduct in office by local government officers.

NJ S2834

Carry Over Concerning noncitizens voting in local elections and conduct in office by local government officers.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3441

Concerning noncitizens voting in local elections and conduct in office by local government officers.

NJ S2834

Concerning noncitizens voting in local elections and conduct in office by local government officers.

NJ S2561

Concerning noncitizens voting in local elections and conduct in office by local government officers.

NJ A2093

Prohibits elected local government officers from accepting employment with law firm for a period of time if officer voted to award local government contract to firm.

NJ A3380

Prohibits elected local government officers from accepting employment with law firm for a period of time if officer voted to award local government contract to firm.

NJ A2661

Prohibits the use of county and municipal vehicles by part-time elected local government officers.

NJ A2090

Prohibits the use of county and municipal vehicles by part-time elected local government officers.

NJ A2749

Preserves judicial duty of impartiality by prohibiting certain communications by local government officers or employees with municipal court judges or candidates for municipal court judgeships.

NJ A266

Requires all elected or appointed local government officers to receive ethics training.

NJ SB1183

Voting locations; peace officers

Similar Bills

CA AB223

Change of gender and sex identifier.

CA SB592

Property tax: change in ownership: residential rental property.

CA SB59

Change of gender and sex identifier.

CA SB1100

Open meetings: orderly conduct.

CA AB1029

Statements of financial interest: digital financial assets.

CA AB1785

California Public Records Act.

CA AB554

Department of Fish and Wildlife: Office of the Ombudsperson.

CA AB1398

Workers’ compensation.