New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S939

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Directs Secretary of State to establish election incident reporting and complaint database; requires certain telephone numbers be provided with voter instructions.

Impact

The legislation seeks to amend existing laws regarding election procedures and voter protections, specifically by supplementing Title 19 of the Revised Statutes of New Jersey. By requiring the Secretary of State to compile and report incidents in real time during elections, the bill marks a notable shift toward proactive monitoring of electoral integrity. It ensures that any reported incidents are categorized by their details, such as location, type, and responses, thus potentially aiding in data-driven decisions for future electoral reforms.

Summary

Senate Bill 939 aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in New Jersey by mandating the establishment of an election incident reporting and complaint database. This database will be maintained by the Secretary of State and is intended to document any civil rights violations, incidents of voter fraud, or other complaints related to election conduct. The aim of the bill is to streamline reporting processes and ensure that incidents are recorded systematically, providing a clear record for regulatory review and public transparency.

Contention

While the intentions behind SB 939 are to uphold voter rights and enhance election oversight, there may be concerns regarding how these regulations will impact individuals and local election offices. Critics might argue about the potential bureaucratic burden placed upon election officials in meeting the reporting requirements. Supporters, however, are likely to emphasize that this systematic approach to reporting complaints will ultimately foster greater accountability within the electoral process, allowing for timely and thorough responses to any misconduct or irregularities.

Companion Bills

NJ A1511

Same As Directs Secretary of State to establish election incident reporting and complaint database; requires certain telephone numbers be provided with voter instructions.

NJ A779

Carry Over Directs Secretary of State to establish election incident reporting and complaint database; requires certain telephone numbers be provided with voter instructions.

NJ S2386

Carry Over Directs Secretary of State to establish election incident reporting and complaint database; requires certain telephone numbers be provided with voter instructions.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3198

Directs Secretary of State to establish election incident reporting and complaint database; requires certain telephone numbers be provided with voter instructions.

NJ A849

Directs Secretary of State to establish election incident reporting and complaint database; requires certain telephone numbers be provided with voter instructions.

NJ S3298

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education.

NJ S1117

Requires Secretary of State create website for voters to report irregularities regarding mail-in ballots; establishes "Vote by Mail Study Commission."

NJ S1119

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 S188

Requires certain juveniles to appear before court in county where incident giving rise to delinquency complaint allegedly occurred.

NJ S1142

Requires Secretary of State and county commissioners of registration to perform audit of voter registration records in Statewide Voter Registration System.

NJ S3202

Requires automatic recount for local elections with vote difference of 10 votes or less at candidate's request; provides for geographic regions for judges to adjudicate election recounts and contests; establishes certain adjudication and hearing timelines.

NJ S1185

Requires DCA to establish online, Statewide database of local government unit legal notices.

NJ S3476

Establishes mediation process for school ethics complaints.

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