Permits county clerk to remove voters from vote-by-mail lists under certain circumstances.
Impact
The implications of A3192 on state laws are significant as it aims to enhance the integrity of the voting process. By allowing county clerks to proactively maintain the mail-in voter list, the bill can potentially decrease the risk of fraudulent voting. However, the requirement for clerks to notify voters prior to their removal is crucial to ensure that legitimate voters are not disenfranchised. If a voter does not respond to the notice within 30 days, they will be removed, which emphasizes the need for effective communication and outreach by county clerks.
Summary
Assembly Bill 3192 seeks to amend the procedures surrounding mail-in voting for the state of New Jersey. The bill grants county clerks the authority to remove voters from the list of those eligible to receive mail-in ballots under certain specified conditions. Namely, clerks may remove voters if returned mail is received, if the voter has not utilized a mail-in ballot in the past two years, or if the voter's address is indicated as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service. This change is designed to streamline the voting process and ensure that the mail-in voting lists remain current and accurate.
Contention
Notably, the bill could face criticism as it may raise concerns regarding voter access and disenfranchisement. Critics may argue that the removal process could disproportionately affect voters who may not frequently check their mail or those who have changed residences. There may be apprehension about the effectiveness of notifications and whether these processes adequately safeguard voters' rights, especially among communities with high mobility. Therefore, while A3192 is framed as a means to enhance electoral integrity, it also needs careful consideration regarding its potential implications for voter participation.
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 county clerks to send confirmation notice to vote-by-mail applicant that requests mail-in ballot at separate mailing address than address at which applicant is registered to vote.
Requires county clerks to send confirmation notice to vote-by-mail applicant that requests mail-in ballot at separate mailing address than address at which applicant is registered to vote.
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 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.
Changes certain mail-in ballot deadlines; permits opening and canvassing of mail-in ballots prior to election day; permits pickup schedule for certain mail-in ballots; requires confirmation notice when voter changes party affiliation at MVC.