New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1348

Introduced
1/9/24  

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 introduction of A1348 is set to significantly alter the procedures governing voting in New Jersey. By enabling earlier canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots, the bill intends to streamline the election process, potentially resulting in faster reporting of election outcomes. The bill emphasizes the importance of security and confidentiality, directing county boards to implement measures that ensure the secrecy of the ballots. This may enhance voter confidence in the election process, as results would be managed with added oversight.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1348, introduced in the 221st Legislature of New Jersey, aims to amend current laws regarding the canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots. The bill allows county boards of elections to begin canvassing early votes 24 hours after the conclusion of the early voting period and permits the opening of mail-in ballot envelopes for canvassing as they are received by the county. This change seeks to expedite the vote-counting process while maintaining strict confidentiality of the votes until polls close on election day.

Contention

Discussions around A1348 raise points of contention, particularly concerning the balance between efficiency and voter privacy. While supporters argue that early canvassing will prevent delays in final vote counts, opponents express concern regarding the potential for breaches in confidentiality if proper safeguards are not strictly enforced. There is also debate around the extended authority granted to county election boards, as critics are wary of the implications on voter trust and the risk of mismanagement during the canvassing process.

Companion Bills

NJ A2490

Carry Over 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.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2490

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.

NJ A2236

Allows county boards of elections to begin canvassing early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

NJ A1393

Allows county boards of elections to begin canvassing early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

NJ S1234

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

NJ A3103

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

NJ S856

Allows canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

NJ S1399

Allows canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

NJ S914

Permits county board of elections to open inner envelopes containing mail-in ballots up to five days prior to election day.

NJ S1203

Permits county board of elections to open inner envelopes containing mail-in ballots up to five days prior to election day.

NJ S2193

Permits county board of elections to open inner envelopes containing mail-in ballots up to five days prior to date of an election.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.