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Bill > S4600
NJ S4600
NJ S4600Requires each registered voter to receive mail-in ballots automatically for all elections unless voter opts out.
summary
Introduced
06/09/2025
06/09/2025
In Committee
06/09/2025
06/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill changes The Vote By Mail Law to require that each new and existing registered voter automatically receives a mail-in ballot for all elections, unless the voter notifies the county clerk that the voter no longer wishes to do so, or unless the voter fails to vote by mail in four consecutive years. Under the bill, each voter would be permitted to vote in person at the voter's polling place on the day of the election or during the early voting period, provided the voter surrenders their mail-in ballot. Under current law, a registered voter can choose to vote by mail-in ballot in a single election or for all future elections, until the voter notifies the county clerk that the voter no longer wishes to do so, or unless the voter fails to vote by mail in four consecutive years. Current law also permits a voter to vote at the polling place by provisional ballot if the voter requested a mail-in ballot, but did not receive the ballot, or if the voter received the mail-in ballot, but appears at a polling place without the ballot. The bill provides that a voter who has received a mail-in ballot may vote at a polling place on the day of election or during the early voting period without using a provisional ballot provided that the voter surrenders their mail-in ballot, including the outer envelope with the voter's name and address written on it. The bill increases from five days to 10 days prior to the day of election that the county board of elections may begin opening the inner envelopes for each mail-in ballot and canvassing each mail-in ballot from the inner envelope. The bill also permits voters to deliver their voted mail-in ballots to each polling place. The Secretary of State is charged with establishing chain of custody procedures for the verification and acceptance of mail-in ballots surrendered by voters wishing to vote in person and if the polling place accepts mail-in ballots.
AI Summary
This bill requires each registered voter in New Jersey to automatically receive a mail-in ballot for all future elections unless the voter specifically requests not to receive one or does not vote by mail in four consecutive years. Under the new provisions, every qualified voter will be automatically sent a mail-in ballot without needing to submit a separate application, marking a significant change from the previous system where voters had to actively request mail-in ballots. Voters can still choose to vote in person at polling places during early voting or on election day, provided they surrender their mail-in ballot to a poll worker. The bill also increases the time county boards of elections can begin opening and canvassing mail-in ballots from five to ten days before an election. Additionally, the bill requires all mail-in ballot return envelopes to have prepaid First-Class postage and mandates that polling places display signage indicating the locations of ballot drop boxes in the county. To support implementation, the state will maintain a special non-lapsing fund to offset the additional direct expenditures required by the new mail-in ballot system. The legislation aims to make voting more accessible and convenient for New Jersey residents by simplifying the mail-in ballot process.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 06/09/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4600 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4600_I1.HTM |
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