New Jersey Assembly Bill A844

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Requires county board of elections to mail notice to mail-in voters after each election confirming ballot was received and counted.

Impact

The implementation of A844 will amend existing laws related to the Statewide Voter Registration System. This bill enhances the current framework by adding a layer of accountability and follows the trend of increasing voter engagement and trust in the electoral process. By requiring county offices to proactively communicate with voters, it ensures that individuals are kept informed about their voting status without having to rely exclusively on existing free-access systems. The bill is expected to foster a more inclusive electoral environment, particularly encouraging participation from those who may otherwise feel disconnected from the voting process.

Summary

Bill A844, introduced in the New Jersey State Legislature, mandates that county boards of elections must send mail notifications to each mail-in voter after every election, confirming whether their ballot was received and counted. This requirement enhances transparency in the electoral process, as voters will receive direct communication regarding the status of their mail-in ballots. The legislation arises from ongoing discussions about improving voter confidence in mail-in voting systems and ensuring that voters are adequately informed about their participation in elections.

Contention

While proponents of A844 support the idea of increased voter communication, there may be concerns regarding the logistics of implementing such a system across all counties in New Jersey. Critics may express apprehension about the potential costs and the ability of local boards of elections to manage this increased workload efficiently. Additionally, discussions may center on the adequacy of existing systems for notifying voters and whether this new requirement effectively addresses voter concerns without adding unnecessary bureaucratic processes.