New Jersey Senate Bill S898

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires commissioner of registration to move voters with undeliverable mail-in ballots to inactive file; removes such inactive voters from Statewide voter registration system following failure to vote in two consecutive federal general elections.

Impact

By implementing this bill, the New Jersey legislature seeks to streamline the voter registration process and reduce the number of inactive or potentially fraudulent registrations on the rolls. The bill reinforces the link between voting behavior and registration status, encouraging voters to participate in elections. However, the requirement for voters to be notified about changes to their registration status adds an obligation on the commissioner to maintain communication with these individuals, ensuring that they are aware of their voting status changes.

Summary

Senate Bill 898 (S898) proposes significant changes to the management of voter registration, specifically concerning mail-in ballots that are returned as undeliverable. The bill mandates that the commissioner of registration holds responsibility for moving voters with undeliverable mail-in ballots to an inactive file and subsequently removes them from the Statewide voter registration system if they fail to vote in two consecutive federal general elections. This ongoing management of the voter list aims to maintain the integrity and accuracy of voter registrations across New Jersey.

Contention

The introduction of S898 may raise concerns among various stakeholders. Advocates for voter rights may argue that the bill could disenfranchise voters who may not have received their mail-in ballot due to issues outside their control or those who may have legitimate reasons for not voting in two consecutive elections. Critics may contend that this bill could disproportionately affect certain populations, particularly those who rely heavily on mail-in voting, such as the elderly or disabled, thus heightening the debate around election accessibility and participation.