New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3633

Introduced
9/19/24  

Caption

Requires computerized drawing system to determine random order of candidate names for each office on primary and general election ballots; provides for drawing to be viewable in person or electronically.

Impact

The implementation of SB S3633 is expected to significantly influence how elections are managed in New Jersey by introducing a new method for determining ballot order that is both efficient and transparent. By requiring that any computerized system used must gain the prior approval of the Secretary of State, the bill aims to ensure that such systems meet established safeguards to protect against external influences. The bill also assures public access to the drawing process, as it mandates that drawings be viewable both in person and electronically, further enhancing transparency in elections.

Summary

Senate Bill S3633 aims to modernize the process of determining the order of candidates' names on primary and general election ballots in New Jersey. Under current law, county and municipal clerks draw names from a box to establish this order. S3633 proposes replacing this manual drawing process with a computerized system designed to randomly assign positions for candidates on ballots. This new method is intended to enhance the fairness and transparency of the electoral process by employing technology to eliminate any potential for bias or manipulation during the drawing process.

Contention

However, there may be some points of contention regarding this bill. Critics could raise concerns regarding the reliance on technology in the electoral process and potential complications that may arise from implementing a new system. Moreover, ensuring that the computerized drawing system is secure and free from manipulation is paramount, and any failings in this regard could undermine public trust in election outcomes. Additionally, as the bill removes the previous practice of bracketing candidates together for ballot positioning, there may be debate about the implications this has on collaborative candidacies and their visibility to voters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB735

In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.

NJ S1350

Permits party member, candidate, or designee to be present for ballot position draw and inspect materials used for drawing; requires officials conducting ballot draw to provide notice of date, time, and location of drawing.

NJ A914

Permits party member, candidate, or designee to be present for ballot position draw and inspect materials used for drawing; requires officials conducting ballot draw to provide notice of date, time, and location of drawing.

PA SB332

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for general primary and candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected.

PA HB123

In county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in datesof elections and primaries and special elections, providing for authorization of ranked choice voting in municipal elections; in nomination of candidates, further providing for which candidates nominated; in ballots, further providing for form of official primary ballot; in electronic voting systems, further providing for election day procedures and the process of voting; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for method of marking ballots and depositing same in districts in which ballots are used and for count and return of votes in districts in which ballots are used; and, in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for persons receiving highest number of votes to be declared elected.

NJ A525

Prohibits candidates from nomination for more than one elective office at primary or general election.

NY S01649

Relates to the order of candidate and delegate names on primary ballots in cities with a population of one million or more as of the latest federal decennial census and provides for a rotation of names in subsequent elections.

NJ A2945

Requires directions on election ballots to vote for one or multiple candidates to appear in color other than black.

CA AB868

Primary elections: county officers: top two candidates.

NJ S1679

Prohibits candidates who are constitutionally ineligible to hold office from being placed on general election ballots.

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