New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2216

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires certain information to increase public awareness and use of voting by mail; requires certain mail-in ballots received by county board within 48 hours be considered valid; requires certain mail-in ballots to be retained.

Impact

A2216 would significantly amend existing electoral laws, primarily focusing on the retention and validation of mail-in ballots. By stating that ballots without postmarks but received within the stipulated timeframe are valid, the law aims to reduce potential disenfranchisement caused by postal delays. Current regulations require that voted mail-in ballots be retained for two years; A2216 reinforces this requirement by including late-received ballots. The intended outcome is to establish greater voter confidence in mail-in voting, an increasingly utilized method in modern elections.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2216 aims to enhance the awareness and utilization of mail-in voting in New Jersey. The bill mandates the promotion of voting by mail through informational posters displayed at polling places and requires the inclusion of voter information on the status of mail-in ballots. Additionally, it seeks to ensure that mail-in ballots received by county boards within 48 hours after the election's closing are considered valid. This provision addresses concerns regarding the timely counting of votes while maintaining voter confidence in the electoral process.

Contention

During discussions, there were concerns surrounding the potential for confusion among voters regarding mail-in ballot regulations. Critics of the bill argue that despite good intentions, the ambiguity around what constitutes a valid mail-in ballot could lead to disputes and challenges. Additionally, the stipulation that missing glue on ballot envelopes cannot lead to rejection raised questions about maintaining ballot integrity and preventing fraud. Balancing voter accessibility with the need for secure election processes was a notable point of debate.

Companion Bills

NJ A2034

Carry Over Requires certain information to increase public awareness and use of voting by mail; requires certain mail-in ballots received by county board within 48 hours be considered valid; requires certain mail-in ballots to be retained.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2034

Requires certain information to increase public awareness and use of voting by mail; requires certain mail-in ballots received by county board within 48 hours be considered valid; requires certain mail-in ballots to be retained.

NJ A365

Requires do not forward label on mail-in ballot envelopes; allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or detached certificate; requires certain voter data be entered into voter file within 30 days.

NJ S847

Requires do not forward label on mail-in ballot envelopes; allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or detached certificate; requires certain voter data be entered into voter file within 30 days.

NJ A3200

Requires do not forward label on mail-in ballot envelopes; allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or detached certificate; requires certain voter data be entered into voter file within 30 days.

NJ S2106

Requires do not forward label on mail-in ballot envelopes; allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or detached certificate; requires certain voter data be entered into voter file within 30 days.

NJ A3822

Changes certain mail-in ballot deadlines; permits opening and canvassing of mail-in ballots prior to election day; permits pickup schedule for certain mail-in ballots; requires confirmation notice when voter changes party affiliation at MVC.

NJ S1614

Requires at least one drive-up ballot drop box in each county; requires certain information to be posted at ballot drop boxes and locations.

NJ A3542

Requires at least one drive-up ballot drop box in each county; requires certain information to be posted at ballot drop boxes and locations.

NJ S3143

Requires at least one drive-up ballot drop box in each county; requires certain information to be posted at ballot drop boxes and locations.

NJ A4809

Requires at least one drive-up ballot drop box in each county; requires certain information to be posted at ballot drop boxes and locations.

Similar Bills

NJ A2034

Requires certain information to increase public awareness and use of voting by mail; requires certain mail-in ballots received by county board within 48 hours be considered valid; requires certain mail-in ballots to be retained.

AZ HB2430

Secretary of state; nonpartisan office

CA SB25

Elections: alternate ballot order: Los Angeles County pilot program.

CA AB1513

Election procedures: certified mail and superior courts.

CA AB502

Elections: deceptive media in advertisements.

NJ A5474

Defines conduct which constitutes voter disenfranchisement and establishes penalties therefor; authorizes private cause of action for voter disenfranchisement; creates Independent Election Oversight Committee; establishes public awareness campaign on voting rights; appropriates $100,000.

CA AB541

Presidential elections: none of the above voting option.

AZ SB1375

Ballots; categories; count; identification number