Revises process for filling vacancy from this State in United States House of Representatives.
Impact
Should S4664 be enacted, it significantly affects election law in New Jersey by streamlining the process for filling vacancies in the House of Representatives. The bill delineates two circumstances under which a vacancy is addressed: when the unexpired term is 180 days or longer and when it is shorter but exceeds 135 days. For the former, a special primary and general election are required, while for the latter, a special election without a primary is specified. This reform posits to ensure constituents have a timely voice in Congress, particularly in the context of unexpected vacancies.
Summary
Senate Bill S4664 introduces amendments to the process for filling vacancies from New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives, implementing a more expedited procedure. The bill mandates that the Governor must issue a writ of election within ten days of a vacancy. By establishing specific timeframes for announcing and conducting elections for these vacancies, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency of the electoral process, allowing for swifter representation in the federal government. The current law lacks a specified timeline for addressing such vacancies, which S4664 seeks to rectify by setting clear requirements.
Contention
Notable discussions around S4664 may center on differing opinions regarding election speed versus democratic engagement. Critics may argue that the expedited process could undermine thoroughness in candidate selection, relying heavily on the Governor's timeline for action. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding transparency in the nomination process for replacements in a contextual landscape where political appointments can be contentious. By reforming existing statutes, S4664 may incite debate on balancing swift electoral representation against the democratic ethos of expansive candidate deliberation.
Permits party member, candidate, or designee to be present for ballot position draw and inspect materials used for drawing; requires officials conducting ballot draw to provide notice of date, time, and location of drawing.
Permits party member, candidate, or designee to be present for ballot position draw and inspect materials used for drawing; requires officials conducting ballot draw to provide notice of date, time, and location of drawing.
Requires computerized drawing system to determine random order of candidate names for each office on primary and general election ballots; provides for drawing to be viewable in person or electronically.
Revises design of primary election ballots and certain primary election procedures; provides for ballots to be arranged by office block; removes State committee members from primary process; requires reporting on primary elections by Division of Elections.
Revises design of primary election ballots and certain primary election procedures; provides for ballots to be arranged by office block; removes State committee members from primary process; requires reporting on primary elections by Division of Elections.