New Jersey Assembly Bill A1511

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Directs Secretary of State to establish election incident reporting and complaint database; requires certain telephone numbers be provided with voter instructions.

Impact

This legislation amends existing laws and supplements Title 19 of the Revised Statutes to include new reporting requirements. It will require the Secretary of State to categorize complaints by location, date, type, and response action. The collected information will be shared with key officials, including the New Jersey Attorney General and relevant federal authorities, ensuring that serious election matters receive appropriate attention. Following elections, the Secretary of State must submit a detailed report to the Governor and the Legislature, making this data publicly accessible, thereby promoting accountability.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1511 aims to establish a comprehensive election incident reporting and complaint database managed by the Secretary of State. The database will be vital for documenting any civil rights violations, voter fraud, or other incidents related to the conduct of elections in New Jersey. By compiling data in real-time, it allows for timely responses to any issues that arise during elections, enhancing the integrity of the voting process. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of transparency in communication with both election officials and the public regarding reported incidents.

Contention

Opponents of A1511 may see potential challenges regarding privacy and the handling of reported incidents, especially concerns surrounding civil rights violations in the electoral process. Critics may argue that establishing a database could have the unintended consequence of deterring voters from reporting issues due to fear of repercussions. Support for the bill highlights its potential to foster greater public confidence in election integrity and responsiveness to voter concerns, thus establishing a more robust electoral framework.