New Jersey Senate Bill S66

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Requires Secretary of State create website for voters to report irregularities regarding mail-in ballots; establishes "Vote by Mail Study Commission."

Impact

The establishment of this reporting mechanism signals an important shift in the oversight of the mail-in voting process within New Jersey. Along with the reporting system, the bill creates the 'Vote by Mail Study Commission' which will comprise various stakeholders including county clerks, members of the Senate and General Assembly, as well as representatives from election boards. This commission is charged with investigating the integrity and accuracy of mail-in voting systems, suggesting that the state is cognizant of potential issues and is proactively seeking to address them.

Summary

Bill S66, introduced in New Jersey, mandates the Secretary of State to create a dedicated website for voters to report any irregularities they encounter concerning mail-in ballots. This initiative emphasizes increasing transparency in the voting process by allowing voters to formally document and report issues. The reported irregularities may include ballots sent to incorrect recipients or cases where registered voters are deceased. By providing a direct link on the Division of Elections website, the bill aims to enhance voter confidence in mail-in voting during elections.

Contention

However, the movement towards stricter scrutiny of mail-in ballots may not come without controversy. Critics argue that increased reporting of irregularities could lead to voter intimidation and discourage eligible voters from participating in elections. Moreover, establishing a commission may also introduce debates concerning its effectiveness and the methodologies used to analyze reported issues. There may be concerns over partisan appointments to the commission and how they could influence its recommendations and findings regarding the vote-by-mail process.