New Jersey Senate Bill S1510

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/10/22

Caption

Requires sample ballots to be watermarked as sample ballots.

Impact

The impact of S1510 is significant in that it directly amends existing state laws pertaining to election procedures, specifically R.S.19:14-22 and R.S.19:23-31. By requiring a watermark and contrasting color paper for sample ballots, the bill aims to standardize the presentation and recognition of such ballots. This could help in reducing voter confusion and enhancing the overall electoral process, thereby increasing the confidence of voters in the integrity of the elections.

Summary

Bill S1510 introduced in New Jersey aims to enhance the integrity and clarity of sample ballots in the electoral process. The bill mandates that all official general and primary election sample ballots must feature a clearly identifiable watermark indicating their status as sample ballots. The intention is to prevent any confusion that may arise on election day regarding which ballots are official and which are not. By implementing these changes, New Jersey hopes to ensure that voters have clear, direct access to the correct voting materials in a manner that minimizes errors.

Contention

While the bill has reasonable intentions, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the new requirements. Critics may argue that additional printing costs associated with the production of watermarked ballots could pose a financial burden on election commissions. Moreover, there may also be concerns from individuals or organizations advocating for a more streamlined voting process, suggesting that such reforms could introduce unnecessary complexity into the already intricate election logistics. Thus, the practical application of the bill will likely be debated among various stakeholders within the electoral system.