New Jersey Assembly Bill A2116

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Requires county clerks to send confirmation notice to vote-by-mail applicant that requests mail-in ballot at separate mailing address than address at which applicant is registered to vote.

Impact

The proposed act amends existing law from P.L.2009, c.79, specifically targeting the procedures for mail-in ballot applications. The key change is the introduction of mandatory confirmation notices, an addition not previously outlined in the law. Local election officials will need to revise their processes to incorporate these notifications, which indicates a shift towards more robust communication with voters regarding their mail-in ballot applications. This could lead to improved voter awareness and potentially reduce instances of fraud or error in the election process.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2116 requires county clerks in New Jersey to send a confirmation notice to applicants who request mail-in ballots at an address different from their registered voting address. This legislation aims to enhance electoral integrity by ensuring that applicants are informed about the mailing of their ballots, which can assist in addressing potential issues such as false requests or incorrect information associated with their applications. By mandating this additional step, the bill seeks to strengthen voter confidence in the mail-in voting process.

Contention

While the intentions behind A2116 are largely constructive, there may be contention regarding its implementation. Critics might argue that the additional administrative requirement could burden county clerks, particularly in areas with high volumes of mail-in ballot requests. Additionally, ensuring that the confirmation notices reach the voters in a timely manner is crucial, as delays could impact voter participation. Overall, while there is broad support for measures that enhance electoral security, concerns about potential complications in the voting process could arise.