New Jersey Senate Bill S1399

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Allows canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

Impact

The proposed changes introduce a significant shift in the timeline of how votes are processed in New Jersey. Previously, early votes and mail-in ballots could not be canvassed until the polls closed on election day. By allowing early canvassing, the bill aims to make the election process more efficient and provide timely results. However, it also emphasizes the need for adequate security measures and confidentiality, ensuring that the canvassing results remain undisclosed until the close of polls.

Summary

Bill S1399, intitled 'An Act concerning the canvassing of votes cast during the early voting period and through mail-in ballots,' aims to modify existing election procedures in New Jersey by allowing the canvassing of votes before election day under specific conditions. This bill permits county clerks to start canvassing early votes 24 hours after the early voting period concludes and enables county boards of elections to begin opening inner envelopes and canvassing mail-in ballots three days prior to election day.

Contention

During discussions around S1399, concerns were raised regarding the potential for increased scrutiny and confidentiality issues in the canvassing process. Critics may point to the implications these changes might have on election transparency and the possibility of voter manipulation. The bill outlines strict penalties for the unlawful disclosure of ballot contents and canvassing results, intending to mitigate risks associated with premature result leaks and enhance overall election integrity.