Bill

Bill > A3118


NJ A3118

Requires correctional facilities to provide voting rights information packets to inmates.


summary

Introduced
03/07/2022
In Committee
03/07/2022
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2024

Introduced Session

2022-2023 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires each correctional facility in this State as well as private facilities, often referred to as halfway houses, to provide each inmate with a voter information packet upon the inmate's release. The packet is to include: 1) voter registration forms and voting instructions; and 2) a form certifying that the inmate was informed both verbally and in writing of the right to vote. Upon an inmate's release, an official employed by the correctional facility or an employee of the private facility and the inmate are required to sign a copy of the form. The bill requires each facility to maintain a copy of the form on record and provide a signed copy to the inmate. Finally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Corrections to: 1) provide a sufficient supply of voter information packets to every correctional facility and private facility; 2) provide that voter information packets be made available in English and Spanish to facilities which are located in any county in which bilingual sample ballots are required to be provided under current law; 3) inform each administrator or superintendent of a correctional facility or the operator of a private facility that they are not to seek to influence an inmate's political preference or party affiliation or display a political preference or party affiliation; and 4) conduct an annual audit to ensure the correctional facilities and private facilities are providing voter information packets to each inmate, as required by the bill.

AI Summary

This bill requires correctional facilities, including private facilities often referred to as halfway houses, to provide each inmate with a voter information packet upon their release. The packet includes voter registration forms, voting instructions, and a form certifying that the inmate was informed of their right to vote. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Corrections to ensure that these voter information packets are provided in English and Spanish to facilities located in counties where bilingual sample ballots are required, and to inform facility administrators that they cannot seek to influence an inmate's political preference or party affiliation. Additionally, the Commissioner must conduct an annual audit to ensure the facilities are providing the voter information packets as required.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee (on 03/07/2022)

bill text


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