NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR44

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR44

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

Impact

If enacted, ACR44 would amend Article II, Section I of the New Jersey Constitution to grant registered voters an explicit right to vote in person on election days. This amendment would prevent both the Legislature and the Governor from passing laws or issuing orders that limit in-person voting rights. Furthermore, the amendment addresses the procedures surrounding mail-in ballots, reinforcing a system that requires voters to actively request their ballots rather than relying on automatic distribution, which could reduce the potential for ballot misuse or fraud.

Summary

ACR44 is a proposed constitutional amendment in New Jersey that seeks to enshrine the right for registered voters to cast their ballots in person on election day at designated polling places. It emphasizes that in-person voting should not be limited or denied by state legislation or executive order. Additionally, ACR44 stipulates that mail-in ballots shall only be distributed to registered voters who submit a written request. This measure aims to secure voting rights against potential future restrictions, thereby ensuring greater access to in-person voting while controlling the distribution of mail-in ballots.

Contention

The introduction of ACR44 may incite debate regarding the balance of access to voting and electoral security. Proponents believe that solidifying the right to in-person voting while restricting mail-in ballots to those who actively request them will help safeguard electoral integrity and encourage more voters to participate in person. Opponents might argue that such restrictions could disenfranchise voters who rely on mail-in voting, particularly those with disabilities, the elderly, or those residing far from polling places. This debate over access versus security is likely to be a significant focus as discussions around ACR44 progress.

Companion Bills

NJ SCR115

Same As Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR39

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

NJ SCR115

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

NJ SCR36

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

NJ S4600

Requires each registered voter to receive mail-in ballots automatically for all elections unless voter opts out.

NJ A1966

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.

NJ A2600

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

NJ S247

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.

NJ A2602

Allows voter who received mail-in ballot to cancel ballot and be issued new one not less than 7 days before election.

NJ SF3315

Voters who register on election day requirement to cast provisional ballots

NJ A4551

Requires applications to decline receipt of mail-in ballots for future elections be available at polling places on election day.

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NJ SCR115

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

NJ ACR13

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NJ ACR12

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NJ SCR36

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.