If enacted, this legislation will drastically alter the voting landscape in New Jersey, transitioning county voting processes to a tangible paper ballot system. Among other mandates, it requires county election officials to maintain paper ballots for at least two years after an election, facilitating traceability and accountability. The legislation also introduces a risk-limiting audit protocol which requires counties to validate election outcomes with selected statistical methods. This move, which aligns with practices in other states, is designed to instill public confidence in the integrity of state elections.
Summary
Senate Bill 2413, known as the "New Jersey Elections Security Act," seeks to enhance election security in New Jersey through the establishment of a paper ballot voting system. The bill mandates that counties replace their electronic voting machines with a paper ballot system whenever replacement is necessary. This provision aims to bring greater transparency and security to the voting process by providing voters the choice to mark their ballots manually or use certified ballot marking devices, ensuring that all ballots are subsequently tabulated using state-certified equipment. The paper ballot system is seen as a response to ongoing concerns regarding the security of electronic voting machines and potential vulnerabilities to election integrity.
Contention
A significant point of contention surrounding SB 2413 may revolve around the costs associated with implementing a new voting system across various counties, including the purchase of new voting equipment, which could pose budgetary challenges. Additionally, while proponents tout the strengthening of election security, opponents may raise concerns over potential accessibility issues for certain voter populations accustomed to electronic voting systems. The bill also calls for the creation of a New Jersey Elections Security Commission, which will oversee the implementation of the new system and conduct post-election audits, further emphasizing the need for ongoing oversight in electoral processes.