Requires new voting machines purchased or leased for use in elections in this State to produce voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast.
Impact
Currently, New Jersey law allows the Secretary of State to suspend the requirement for new voting machines to produce paper records until sufficient funding is available from state or federal sources. However, A3338 seeks to change this by eliminating the suspension and mandating that all new voting machines must comply with the paper record requirement immediately after the bill's effective date. This shift could impact local election practices, as municipalities will need to ensure compliance when acquiring new voting technology, possibly leading to increased costs.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3338 requires that any new voting machines purchased or leased for elections in New Jersey must produce a voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast. This mandate aims to enhance election integrity by ensuring that voters can confirm their selections through a physical paper trail, which can be critical during audits and recounts. The bill serves as an important step towards enhancing transparency in the electoral process, aligning with broader national trends advocating for improved security in voting systems.
Contention
The introduction of A3338 may ignite discussions regarding election security and budgetary priorities among state legislators. While proponents of the bill argue that it is essential for safeguarding democracy and enhancing voter trust, opponents might raise concerns about the financial implications of implementing this requirement. Additionally, the waiver provision for machines already in use provides a compromise, but some may argue it does not go far enough in ensuring that all machines in operation meet the latest security standards.
Same As
Requires new voting machines purchased or leased for use in elections in this State to produce voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast.
Enacts the "voting integrity and verification act of New York (VIVA NY)"; provides that each voter is entitled to the use of an individual, voter verifiable paper ballot of the voter's vote and the opportunity to mark it.
In voting machines, further providing for examination and approval of voting machines by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for requirements of voting machines and for preparation of voting machines by county election boards.
The purpose of this bill is to require counties to utilize separate voting machines from those used for voting in an election, and to require testing of the automatic tabulating equipment prior to its use in an election.