New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR23

Introduced
1/9/24  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/9/24  

Caption

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

Impact

If adopted, SCR23 would solidify in law an individual's right to vote in person on election day, which currently rests in part on state statutes and executive orders. This proposed change would make it more challenging for future legislatures or governors to impose restrictions on in-person voting, thereby reinforcing the principle of voter autonomy. Additionally, the provision regarding mail-in ballots is set to enhance the integrity of the voting process by ensuring that those who wish to vote by mail actively request their ballots, rather than receiving them automatically.

Summary

SCR23 is a proposed constitutional amendment intended to establish the right of registered voters in New Jersey to cast their ballots in person at polling places on election day. The amendment aims to further stipulate that mail-in ballots would only be distributed to voters upon their written request, preventing automatic mail-in ballot distribution. By entrenching these provisions within the state constitution, the amendment seeks to ensure voter access to in-person voting while adding an additional layer of protection against future legislative changes or executive orders that could limit these voting methods.

Sentiment

Debate surrounding SCR23 is expected to be polarized, with advocates framing the measure as a safeguard of electoral integrity and accessibility. Supporters may argue that it reinforces the traditional voting model while addressing concerns around election security. Conversely, critics could express worries that the limitations imposed on mail-in voting could disproportionately affect certain populations who rely on mail-in ballots due to mobility issues or other barriers that make in-person voting challenging.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the amendment's mail-in ballot provision. Opponents might argue that requiring a written request for mail-in ballots could disenfranchise voters who might not be aware of the need to request their ballots actively. Furthermore, there could be concerns about the potential increase in logistical challenges for voters and election officials alike. Ultimately, the discussions and debates will likely focus on balancing the desire for secure voting methods against the need for broad access to the electoral process.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR45

Same As Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ SCR113

Carry Over Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ ACR146

Carry Over Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ SCR36

Carry Over Urges DEP Commissioner to establish funding formula within Shore Protection Fund for acquisition of certain beach easements.

NJ ACR39

Carry Over Proposes amendment to State Constitution to provide for elected Taxpayer Advocate.

Previously Filed As

NJ SCR93

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ ACR140

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ AR61

Urges US Congress adopt comprehensive voting rights legislation.

NJ SR67

Urges Congress to reinstate "Glass-Steagall Act."

NJ S1149

Prohibits mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 as condition of attending public K-12 schools.

NJ HB118

No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.

NJ HB121

No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.

NJ AR110

Urges New Jersey members of Congress to join Congressional Brain Injury Task Force.

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 SR68

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation reinstating the separation between commercial and investment banking.

Similar Bills

LA HB472

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NJ ACR123

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NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.