New Jersey Assembly Bill A1113

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Permits use of instant run-off voting in balloting for certain local elective public offices.

Impact

The proposed legislation will significantly change how local elections are conducted, giving municipalities the authority to adopt this voting method if they choose to do so. The implementation of instant run-off voting could lead to a more inclusive and representative electoral outcome, as it allows voters to express a broader range of preferences. However, municipalities will need to ensure that their voting equipment and processes are adequately updated to support this system, which places additional responsibilities on local election officials and the Secretary of State to establish necessary regulations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1113 permits the enactment of instant run-off voting for certain local elective offices within municipalities governed by the Uniform Nonpartisan Elections Law in New Jersey. The bill introduces a voting system that allows voters to select a preferred candidate as well as alternative candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first choice votes, this new system will eliminate the candidate with the fewest votes and count the second choices of their voters until a majority winner is determined. This method aims to make voting outcomes more reflective of voters' true preferences and mitigate the issues associated with the traditional plurality voting system.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to enhance voter representation, it also raises various points of contention. Opponents may voice concerns over the complexity of instant run-off voting compared to traditional methods and the potential for voter confusion. Questions may arise regarding the readiness of election systems to accommodate such changes, as well as the time and costs associated with implementing this new voting system in local jurisdictions. Moreover, there may be debate among lawmakers about whether this adjustment is necessary, given varying public sentiment and the historical efficacy of existing voting procedures.