New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR44

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

Impact

If enacted, ACR44 would amend Article II, Section I of the New Jersey Constitution to grant registered voters an explicit right to vote in person on election days. This amendment would prevent both the Legislature and the Governor from passing laws or issuing orders that limit in-person voting rights. Furthermore, the amendment addresses the procedures surrounding mail-in ballots, reinforcing a system that requires voters to actively request their ballots rather than relying on automatic distribution, which could reduce the potential for ballot misuse or fraud.

Summary

ACR44 is a proposed constitutional amendment in New Jersey that seeks to enshrine the right for registered voters to cast their ballots in person on election day at designated polling places. It emphasizes that in-person voting should not be limited or denied by state legislation or executive order. Additionally, ACR44 stipulates that mail-in ballots shall only be distributed to registered voters who submit a written request. This measure aims to secure voting rights against potential future restrictions, thereby ensuring greater access to in-person voting while controlling the distribution of mail-in ballots.

Contention

The introduction of ACR44 may incite debate regarding the balance of access to voting and electoral security. Proponents believe that solidifying the right to in-person voting while restricting mail-in ballots to those who actively request them will help safeguard electoral integrity and encourage more voters to participate in person. Opponents might argue that such restrictions could disenfranchise voters who rely on mail-in voting, particularly those with disabilities, the elderly, or those residing far from polling places. This debate over access versus security is likely to be a significant focus as discussions around ACR44 progress.

Companion Bills

NJ SCR115

Same As Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR65

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

NJ SCR23

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide registered voters with right to cast ballot in person at polling place on election day; requires mail-in ballot request before voter receives mail-in ballot.

NJ A3981

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

NJ A735

Requires applications to decline receipt of mail-in ballots for future elections be available at polling places on election day.

NJ S3529

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

NJ A4934

Provides for qualified voters who are incarcerated to receive mail-in ballots.

NJ A2670

Permits county board of elections to begin canvassing early votes before election day under certain conditions; permits county board of elections to begin counting mail-in ballots as mail-in ballots are received by county board.

NJ A4813

Changes requirements for persons providing assistance to voters completing mail-in ballots.

NJ SF3315

Voters who register on election day requirement to cast provisional ballots

NJ A279

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.

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