summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill extends the closing time of polling places by one hour. Under current law, in most circumstances, polling places open at 6:00 A.M. and close at 8:00 P.M. This bill changes the closing time, in most circumstances, to 9:00 P.M. The bill extends the closing time for early voting sites. Early voting sites are currently open 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday and 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday. This bill requires early voting sites to stay open until 9:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday and until 7:00 P.M. on Sunday. The office of the municipal clerk is open on election day to assist voters. Under current law, the office of the municipal clerk is open from 6:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. This bill requires the office of the municipal clerk to stay open until 9:00 P.M. This bill extends the time for which minors between 16 and 18 years of age serving at an election are required to stop. Under current law, they are permitted to serve until 9:00 P.M. This bill changes the time minors must complete service from 9:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. to account for the later poll closing time. Requiring the polls to stay open an extra hour will allow for more flexibility for voters who choose to vote in the evening hours.
AI Summary
This bill extends the closing time of polling places by one hour, from 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., for most elections, including primary and general elections, allowing voters more time to cast their ballots in the evening. It also extends the operating hours for early voting sites, which are designated locations where voters can cast their ballots before election day; these sites will now be open until 9:00 P.M. on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 7:00 P.M. on Sundays, an increase from their previous closing times. Additionally, the office of the municipal clerk, which assists voters on election day, will also remain open until 9:00 P.M. The bill also adjusts the working hours for minors aged 16 to 18 who serve at elections, allowing them to work until 10:00 P.M. to accommodate the later poll closing times.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/A556 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/556_I1.HTM |
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