New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S903

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires Secretary of State to establish voter list maintenance and crosscheck program and to include certain voter registration data in annual report to Governor and Legislature.

Impact

The implementation of S903 would significantly enhance the responsibilities of the Secretary of State and county commissioners. It obligates county officials to regularly verify and update voter registration records actively. Additionally, the bill lays the groundwork for electronic cooperation among various state departments, aiming to streamline the processes of verifying voter identities and ensuring that the voter rolls are accurate and up-to-date. The annual report required by this legislation would include an evaluation of the program's effectiveness and compliance statuses, which would provide transparency and accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill S903 requires the Secretary of State of New Jersey to establish a comprehensive voter list maintenance and crosscheck program aimed at improving the accuracy and security of the state's voter registration system. This initiative is a response to the growing need for accurate voter rolls, which can help prevent electoral fraud and ensure that eligible voters are appropriately registered. The bill mandates that county commissioners take charge of maintaining accurate voter information and offers a systematic approach for cross-checking data against various state databases.

Contention

Notably, while proponents argue that S903 is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process, opponents may raise concerns regarding privacy and the potential for disenfranchisement. Critics might fear that aggressive maintenance efforts could lead to eligible voters being mistakenly removed from the rolls. Therefore, the careful balancing of efficient voter list maintenance while protecting individual rights will be a key point of contention for this bill. The challenge will lie in ensuring that the process does not inadvertently hinder voter participation under the guise of improving the system.

Companion Bills

NJ A1508

Same As Requires Secretary of State to establish voter list maintenance and crosscheck program and to include certain voter registration data in annual report to Governor and Legislature.

NJ S68

Carry Over Requires Secretary of State to establish voter list maintenance and crosscheck program and to include certain voter registration data in annual report to Governor and Legislature.

NJ A776

Carry Over Requires Secretary of State to establish voter list maintenance and crosscheck program and to include certain voter registration data in annual report to Governor and Legislature.

Similar Bills

NJ A776

Requires Secretary of State to establish voter list maintenance and crosscheck program and to include certain voter registration data in annual report to Governor and Legislature.

NJ A1508

Requires Secretary of State to establish voter list maintenance and crosscheck program and to include certain voter registration data in annual report to Governor and Legislature.

NJ S68

Requires Secretary of State to establish voter list maintenance and crosscheck program and to include certain voter registration data in annual report to Governor and Legislature.

TX SB795

Relating to establishing an interstate voter registration crosscheck program.

TX HB2372

Relating to establishing an interstate voter registration crosscheck program.

TX HB891

Relating to establishing an interstate voter registration crosscheck program.

TX SB1070

Relating to the interstate voter registration crosscheck program.

TX HB5254

Relating to the interstate voter registration crosscheck program.