Bill
Bill > A194
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
Under current law, the presence of police officers at polling places during the conduct of an election and at ballot drop box locations in use during the conduct of an election is limited. This bill removes the prohibition on police presence at ballot drop boxes and polling places that was adopted into law in 2021 (P.L.2021, c.459). Under this bill, police are once again permitted to be within 100 feet of a ballot drop box or polling place during the conduct of an election while in an official capacity. The bill also removes the following provisions of current law:· a provision requiring a district board of elections to notify the county board of elections or superintendent of elections, as appropriate, of the dispatch of a police officer or other law enforcement officer to a polling place;· a provision requiring the county board of elections or superintendent of elections, as appropriate, to notify the Secretary of State of the dispatch of a police officer or other law enforcement officer to a polling place; and· a provision requiring the Secretary of State, county boards of elections, and superintendents of elections to maintain a record of all dispatches issued and reported to a polling place.
AI Summary
This bill removes a prohibition enacted in 2021 that limited police presence at ballot drop boxes and polling places during elections, allowing police officers to once again be within 100 feet of these locations while in their official capacity. It also eliminates requirements for election officials to notify higher authorities about the dispatch of police to polling places and to maintain records of such dispatches. Additionally, the bill clarifies that police officers serving on a district board of elections or acting as challengers cannot wear their uniform or carry a visible weapon at a polling place during an election, and it removes specific restrictions on the placement of ballot drop boxes near police stations and the presence of police within 100 feet of ballot drop boxes, except for responding to emergencies or disturbances.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
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/A194 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/194_I1.HTM |
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