Establishes pilot program to provide for same-day voter registration on election day in certain years.
Impact
The pilot program is designed to overcome barriers to voter registration, which according to current laws requires individuals to register at least 21 days before an election. By allowing same-day registration, the bill aims to facilitate participation, particularly for those who might otherwise miss the registration deadline due to various reasons including unforeseen circumstances or lack of awareness. The success of this program could lead to broader adoption of same-day voter registration in future elections, contingent upon positive evaluations from the interim and final reports stipulated in the bill.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1926 establishes a pilot program aimed at implementing same-day voter registration in New Jersey on specific election days in the years 2021, 2022, and 2023. Under this bill, individuals who meet voter eligibility requirements can register to vote at designated locations on the day of the general election, allowing for increased accessibility and potentially higher participation rates in the electoral process. The Secretary of State, in coordination with the county election officials, is tasked with overseeing the execution of this program.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, there are points of contention surrounding the implementation of same-day voter registration. Critics may voice concerns regarding the administrative burden it places on election officials and the possibility of increasing chances for voter fraud. The bill includes provisions for detailed reporting and auditing of the pilot program, which seeks to address these concerns by ensuring accountability and transparency. If the findings indicate that the program effectively boosts voter registration without significant misconduct, recommendations will be made for its continuation across all polling locations in subsequent elections.
Reduces standard voter registration deadline to eight days before election; allows voter registration at polling place on election day and at offices where mail-in ballots are issued within 45 days before election.
Reduces standard voter registration deadline to eight days before election; allows voter registration at polling place on election day and at offices where mail-in ballots are issued within 45 days before election.
Providing for electronic poll books and for electronic poll books and election infrastructure equipment bonds; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for deadline for receipt of valid voter registration application; and providing for in-person early voting in elections. Amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for same-day voter registration on election day and for same-day voter registration during early voting and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and, in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to removal notices, to transfer of registration and to change of enrollment of political party.