Prohibits acceptance, offer, or provision of consideration for mail-in ballot messengers or bearers.
Impact
If enacted, A4002 would significantly alter the legal framework governing how mail-in ballots are processed and delivered in New Jersey. The law is aimed at ensuring that only family members or registered voters serve as authorized messengers—individuals who can now deliver blank mail-in ballots. Additionally, it codifies the requirement for these messengers to provide valid identification, thereby tightening security around mail-in voting. Overall, this amendment is expected to bolster public trust in the electoral process by safeguarding against unethical practices that may compromise the integrity of votes.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4002 seeks to enhance electoral integrity by prohibiting the acceptance, offer, or provision of any form of consideration to individuals acting as mail-in ballot messengers or bearers. This legislation amends existing laws concerning mail-in voting procedures established under P.L.2009, c.79. The intent of the bill is to prevent potential abuses in the delivery of mail-in ballots, ensuring that these processes are devoid of any financial or material incentives, which could otherwise lead to corruption or manipulation in the voting process.
Contention
The bill may face contention primarily from those who argue that such prohibitions could inadvertently hinder the accessibility of mail-in voting, especially for vulnerable populations who rely on assistance to vote. Critics may suggest that prohibiting any form of compensation for messengers could discourage individuals from helping those in need, thus potentially disenfranchising voters who require support in completing their ballots. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that the risk of corruption justifies these stringent measures, framing the discussion as one of protecting the democratic process against exploitation.
Same As
Prohibits acceptance, offer, or provision of monetary or non-monetary compensation of mail-in ballot messengers or bearers; allows certain facility employees and volunteers to serve as messengers or bearers.
Prohibits acceptance, offer, or provision of monetary or non-monetary compensation of mail-in ballot messengers or bearers; allows certain facility employees and volunteers to serve as messengers or bearers.
Removes provisions for acceptance of mail-in ballots received after election day; increases penalties for violation of ballot messenger and bearer limits and candidate prohibition.
Removes provisions for acceptance of mail-in ballots received after election day; increases penalties for violation of ballot messenger and bearer limits and candidate prohibition.
Removes 48-hour provision for acceptance of ballots postmarked by election day; increases penalties for violation of ballot messenger and bearer limits and candidate prohibition.
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.
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.
Prohibits unaffiliated mail-in voters from receiving mail-in ballot for primary election; requires election officials to provide such voters certain notices; prohibits mail-in ballot envelopes from containing visible political affiliation or designation for certain elections.
Prohibits unaffiliated mail-in voters from receiving mail-in ballot for primary election; requires election officials to provide such voters certain notices; prohibits mail-in ballot envelopes from containing visible political affiliation or designation for certain elections.
Prohibits acceptance, offer, or provision of monetary or non-monetary compensation of mail-in ballot messengers or bearers; allows certain facility employees and volunteers to serve as messengers or bearers.