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Bill > A5900
NJ A5900
NJ A5900Requires notice be provided upon changes to voter registration; prohibits changes in party affiliation from being processed after statutory deadline.
summary
Introduced
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
In Committee
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the commissioner of registration in each county from modifying or updating a voter's registration with regard to the voter's party affiliation after the statutory deadline. Under current law, in order to vote in a political party's primary election, a voter must be deemed to be a member of that party on the 55th day next preceding such primary election. Voters who are unaffiliated or newly registered voters are not subject to this deadline. Under the bill, the commissioner must notify any voter who submits a voter registration form indicating a change in party affiliation within five business days of receiving such voter registration form that: (1) the voter's change in party affiliation has not been processed; (2) the voter remains a member of the political party to which the voter previously belonged; and (3) the voter is eligible to vote in the primary election of the political party to which the voter is affiliated. Any voter who is denied the right to vote in their preferred primary election based upon a voter registration file that reflects the incorrect party affiliation will be allowed to vote via a provisional ballot and shall be provided with information as to how to initiate judicial review of the voter's status before a court of competent jurisdiction. If, upon review, the district board canvassing the ballot, the county board of elections, or a judge of the Superior Court or other judge hearing the voter's case determines that the voter had lawfully associated with the voter's preferred political party prior to the established deadline, then the provisional ballot shall be counted. The bill also requires that, whenever a voter submits a voter registration form, the commissioner of registration must notify the voter within seven business days of the receipt of the registration form.
AI Summary
This bill addresses voter registration and party affiliation changes by establishing new procedures for county registration commissioners. Under the bill, commissioners are prohibited from modifying a voter's party affiliation after the statutory deadline (which is 55 days before a primary election), and must instead hold such change requests in abeyance until after the primary election. When a voter submits a form to change party affiliation, the commissioner must notify them within five business days that their change will not be processed, they remain affiliated with their previous party, and they can still vote in that party's primary. If a voter is incorrectly prevented from voting in their preferred primary due to party affiliation issues, they can vote via a provisional ballot and potentially have that ballot counted through judicial review if it's determined they were lawfully associated with the party before the deadline. Additionally, the bill requires commissioners to notify voters within seven business days of receiving a registration form, either confirming their registration or explaining any reasons for refusal. The bill aims to provide more transparency and protection for voters during the registration and primary election process, ensuring voters have clear information about their registration status and opportunities to address potential errors.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 06/27/2025)
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/A5900 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5900_I1.HTM |
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