Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
Impact
The bill mandates a shift in leadership within the Division of Elections by requiring appointments of two co-directors from different political parties. This bipartisan approach intends to ensure a balanced oversight of election processes, fostering collaboration across party lines and potentially improving public trust in the electoral system. The co-directors would be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, which emphasizes the integration of bipartisan input in the administration of elections.
Summary
A223 is a legislative bill introduced in the State of New Jersey which proposes the transfer of the Division of Elections from the Department of State to the Department of Law and Public Safety. This legislative move aims to reframe the management of elections in New Jersey by designating the Attorney General as the chief election official in the state. The intent is to enhance the oversight and coordination of state election responsibilities as outlined in various federal laws such as the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
Contention
Concerns surrounding A223 may arise regarding the implications of transferring election oversight to the Department of Law and Public Safety versus its previous governance under the Department of State. Critics might argue that this move could lead to increased politicization of the election process, depending on the appointments made by the Governor. Supporters, however, may view the bipartisan requirement for co-director positions as a safeguard against any unilateral decision-making that could bias electoral management.
Transition
Upon enactment, the law will take effect on January 1 next year, but preparations for its implementation can begin immediately by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General. This provides a timeline for both departments to adapt to the new structure, ensuring the smooth transition of responsibilities and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in New Jersey.
Same As
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
NJ A3388
Carry Over
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
NJ S2274
Carry Over
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
Revises design of primary election ballots and certain primary election procedures; provides for ballots to be arranged by office block; removes State committee members from primary process; requires reporting on primary elections by Division of Elections.
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.
Transfers Division of Elections from Department of State to Department of Law and Public Safety; designates Attorney General as chief election official and requires two bipartisan co-directors.