New Jersey Senate Bill S2557

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/22
• Refer: 5/12/22

Caption

Permits county clerk to remove voters from vote-by-mail lists under certain circumstances.

Impact

The implementation of S2557 is poised to impact state election laws significantly. By enabling county clerks to systematically update voter lists, the legislation is expected to reduce the number of inactive voters on voter rolls. This change may help streamline the election process and aid in ensuring that mail-in ballots are only sent to individuals who are currently registered and eligible to vote. However, this could also raise concerns about voter disenfranchisement, particularly for those who may have missed notifications or been unaware of their removal from the list.

Summary

S2557, introduced in New Jersey, establishes provisions that allow county clerks to remove voters from lists of those eligible to receive mail-in ballots under certain circumstances. This legislative measure is aimed at maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the voter rolls by ensuring that mail-in ballots are sent only to qualified voters. The bill specifies conditions under which a voter may be removed from this list, including when the United States Postal Service returns mail or if the voter has not utilized a mail-in ballot in the last two years.

Contention

Notably, S2557 has sparked discussions regarding voter accessibility and election fairness. Critics express concerns that the criteria for removing voters are too stringent and could inadvertently disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those who move frequently or those who have not participated in elections for a period. The bill mandates that voters be notified of their removal and be given an opportunity to respond, but there are worries about the efficacy of such notifications and the potential confusion it may cause among voters about their registration status.