New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S847

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill also introduces provisions for voters to 'cure' their mail-in ballots when they encounter issues such as missing or detached certificates. Under current law, voters must submit a mail-in voter certificate, which essentially verifies their identity and voting eligibility. The proposed legislation expands this process, allowing county boards of elections to issue a 'Cure Letter' to inform voters of deficiencies in their ballot submissions and guide them on rectifying these issues. By allowing voters to address these problems and potentially have their ballots counted, the legislation aims to improve voter access and participation in elections.

Summary

Bill S847, introduced in New Jersey, aims to enhance the mail-in voting process and ensure voter data accuracy. The legislative proposal mandates that mail-in ballot envelopes be clearly marked with a 'Do Not Forward' label, allowing individuals who receive ballots intended for others at their address to return these ballots to county clerks. This clause is intended to clarify the purpose of mail-in ballots and ensure that ballots are used exclusively by their intended recipients. Furthermore, the bill requires that any mail-in ballot returned for any reason must be forwarded to the commissioner of registration within 30 days, thereby centralizing the handling of returned ballots.

Contention

While the bill presents mechanisms aimed at improving the mail-in voting system, it does spark discussions among various stakeholders on regulation and transparency in voting processes. Critics may question the logistics of the new requirements and whether county boards are adequately equipped to handle the uptick in voter inquiries and ballot processing. Additionally, concerns regarding data security, voter privacy, and the efficiency of notifying voters about ballot deficiencies may arise as prominent points of contention during legislative discussions. It remains to be seen how this bill will impact the overall integrity and convenience of the mail-in voting system in New Jersey.

Companion Bills

NJ A3200

Same As 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.

NJ A365

Carry Over 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.

NJ S2106

Carry Over 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.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2106

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.

NJ A365

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.

NJ A3200

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.

NJ A2009

Allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing certificate.

NJ A1824

Allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing certificate.

NJ S1235

Requires outer envelope for mailing of voted mail-in ballot by voter to include postage prepaid.

NJ A3104

Requires outer envelope for mailing of voted mail-in ballot by voter to include postage prepaid.

NJ A3658

Allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or unsealed inner envelope.

NJ S2869

Prohibits unaffiliated mail-in voters from receiving mail-in ballot for primary election; requires election officials to provide such voters certain notices; prohibits mail-in ballot envelopes from containing visible political affiliation or designation for certain elections.

NJ A3820

Prohibits unaffiliated mail-in voters from receiving mail-in ballot for primary election; requires election officials to provide such voters certain notices; prohibits mail-in ballot envelopes from containing visible political affiliation or designation for certain elections.

Similar Bills

NJ A3200

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.

NJ A365

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.

NJ S2106

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.

NJ A4909

"Protecting Mail-in Voters Act"; requires those who vote by mail to enclose copy of personal identification.

NJ S2863

Requires ballot privacy sleeves at polling place; makes various changes to early and mail-in voting procedures; creates online form to update name and residence on existing voter registration record.

NJ A3817

Requires ballot privacy sleeves at polling place; makes various changes to early and mail-in voting procedures; creates online form to update name and residence on existing voter registration record.

NJ A3823

Requires enhanced review of death records two months prior to election; permits remote training for certain election workers; exempts election worker compensation from taxation and remuneration.

NJ A3964

Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.