New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4236

Introduced
5/2/24  

Caption

Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation.

Impact

The introduction of this legislation is expected to significantly impact how mail-in voting is conducted in New Jersey. By requiring annual applications, the bill promotes a more informed electorate that actively participates in the voting process, thereby reducing potential voter complacency. On the other hand, this may also lead to confusion or inconvenience for voters accustomed to the prior system. Additionally, this modification could affect voter turnout, especially among those who may forget to apply each year or find the process cumbersome.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4236 mandates that any voter wishing to vote by mail must submit a new application for a mail-in ballot each calendar year. This bill aims to modernize the voting process in New Jersey, ensuring that voters actively want to receive mail-in ballots rather than being automatically designated as such. The bill repeals the previous automatic vote-by-mail designation for voters who cast mail-in ballots in the years 2016, 2017, and 2018, which allowed them to receive ballots in future elections without needing to reapply.

Contention

Debate surrounding bill A4236 may arise regarding the balance between ensuring voter participation and maintaining a streamlined voting process. Proponents argue that requiring annual applications could enhance election integrity and ensure that mail-in ballot requests are current, while opponents could raise concerns about voter suppression and the potential disenfranchisement of those who may struggle with the application process. Legislators will need to consider these factors as they discuss the implementation of this bill.

Companion Bills

NJ S1877

Same As Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation.

NJ S2273

Carry Over Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation.

NJ A4638

Carry Over Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation and required education program for certain vote-by-mail changes.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2273

Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation.

NJ S1877

Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation.

NJ A4638

Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation and required education program for certain vote-by-mail changes.

NJ S4600

Requires each registered voter to receive mail-in ballots automatically for all elections unless voter opts out.

NJ S1235

Requires outer envelope for mailing of voted mail-in ballot by voter to include postage prepaid.

NJ A3104

Requires outer envelope for mailing of voted mail-in ballot by voter to include postage prepaid.

NJ S185

Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.

NJ S267

Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.

NJ A3964

Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.

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.

Similar Bills

NJ A4638

Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation and required education program for certain vote-by-mail changes.

NJ S4600

Requires each registered voter to receive mail-in ballots automatically for all elections unless voter opts out.

MS SB2354

Elections; revise procedures regarding voter roll maintenance and monitoring.

MS HB1310

Elections; revise provisions related to the integrity of.

NJ S1877

Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation.

NJ S2273

Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation.

MS HB1510

Elections; revise procedures regarding voter roll maintenance.

MS HB965

Voting rights; restore to people who have been released from incarceration.