Specifies circumstances when voter will be removed from permanent vote by mail status and when ballot will be sent to primary address; requires educational campaign; makes appropriation of $5 million.
Impact
The enactment of S2868 will alter existing state election laws concerning mail-in voting. By clarifying the criteria for maintaining permanent mail-in voting status, the bill aims to streamline the voting process while ensuring that those who opt for mail-in ballots remain engaged. However, the statutory alterations may also complicate the voting procedure for some voters who might inadvertently lose their mail-in ballot status due to inactivity over an extended period.
Summary
Senate Bill S2868 focuses on the administration of mail-in voting in New Jersey. It specifies the circumstances under which voters may be removed from permanent vote by mail status, indicating that if a voter fails to vote by mail for four consecutive years, they will no longer receive mail-in ballots unless they request them. The bill also mandates that ballots should be sent to the primary address of the voter and includes provisions to educate voters on these changes, supported by a $5 million appropriation from the state’s general fund for county educational campaigns.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding S2868 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the updates to the mail-in voting process enhance accountability and engagement among voters, while critics express concerns that removing voters from the permanent mail-in list could disenfranchise those who may not be aware of the new rules. As such, the educational component of the bill is seen as crucial in mitigating potential confusion and ensuring that voters are informed about their rights and responsibilities.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the risk of disenfranchising voters who may not actively seek out the information regarding changes in their voting status. Critics worry that the requirement for a proactive approach could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, while proponents argue that these measures will help maintain the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that only engaged voters receive mail-in ballots. Ultimately, the balance between maintaining voter rights and ensuring timely and accurate electoral participation is the central theme of the debate surrounding SB S2868.
Same As
Specifies circumstances when voter will be removed from permanent vote by mail status and when ballot will be sent to primary address; requires educational campaign; makes appropriation of $5 million.
Specifies circumstances when voter will be removed from permanent vote by mail status and when ballot will be sent to primary address; requires educational campaign; makes appropriation of $5 million.
Voters allowed to join permanent absentee voter list, and absentee ballots required to automatically be sent before election to voters on permanent absentee voter list.
Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.
Requires do not forward label on mail-in ballot envelopes; allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or detached certificate; requires certain voter data be entered into voter file within 30 days.
Requires do not forward label on mail-in ballot envelopes; allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or detached certificate; requires certain voter data be entered into voter file within 30 days.
Specifies circumstances when voter will be removed from permanent vote by mail status and when ballot will be sent to primary address; requires educational campaign; makes appropriation of $5 million.
Requires voter who wishes to vote by mail to complete application for mail-in ballot each calendar year; repeals automatic vote-by-mail designation and required education program for certain vote-by-mail changes.
Prohibiting remote ballot boxes, providing for reporting and publication of voting results and public access to voting records and materials, limiting advance voting provisions and requiring receipt of advance voting ballots by election day, limiting the size of precincts, making the general election a state holiday, providing that the sheriff has sole jurisdiction for and shall provide security at voting places, establishing the authority of the legislature over elections with preeminence over rules and regulations of the secretary of state and federal election law and making certain election crimes felonies.
Substitute for HB 2512 by Committee on Elections - Relating to advance voting ballots; requiring county election officers to provide at least four hours of advance voting in-person on the Saturday before an election; providing after January 1, 2025, such ballots cast in-person be received in the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on the Sunday proceeding the election; exception to allow voting in-person until 12:00 noon on Monday for good cause.