New Jersey Senate Bill S413

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Provides for agreement between Secretary of State and AOC to match information in Statewide voter registration system with certain jury records in order to identify and remove ineligible non-citizen voter registrants from system.

Impact

Should S413 be enacted, it would directly affect the management of the Statewide voter registration system by mandating a thorough matching process of voter data against records of jury service and other state-maintained databases. The bill stipulates that individuals who indicate their non-citizen status as a basis for being excused from jury duty shall be identified and removed from the voter registration system. This regulatory change is intended to prevent ineligible voting and to enhance overall voting integrity, ensuring that the voters on the rolls are indeed eligible to cast ballots in elections.

Summary

Senate Bill S413 seeks to enhance the integrity of the Statewide voter registration system by enabling the Secretary of State to enter into agreements with various state agencies, including the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Department of Health, and the Department of Corrections. The primary aim of the bill is to match voter registration data with juror records and other relevant information to identify and remove ineligible non-citizen registrants from the voter database. This proposed measure is positioned as a necessary step to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter rolls in New Jersey.

Contention

The bill's proposal has sparked a range of discussions among stakeholders, particularly concerning the implications for voter rights. Proponents argue that it addresses important integrity concerns within the election system by ensuring that only eligible individuals participate in voting. However, critics raise alarms about potential overreach and the risk of disenfranchisement, particularly with regards to accurately distinguishing between eligible voters and ineligible ones. There are concerns that this measure could disproportionately affect certain populations, particularly vulnerable groups, and complicate the voter registration process for many individuals.