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NJ S3968
NJ S3968Increases certain compensation for poll workers; provides for overtime pay when polls stay open late.
summary
Introduced
03/19/2026
03/19/2026
In Committee
03/19/2026
03/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, a poll worker who acquires the poll books before polls open is compensated $12.50, and a poll worker who returns the poll books after polls close is compensated another $12.50. If this responsibility is shared between two people, then each person is compensated $6.25 for acquiring the poll books, and another $6.25 for returning the poll books. The maximum that any one person can be compensated for this responsibility is therefore $25. This bill would increase such compensation to $100 for one person, or $50 for two people. This bill also provides that, any time polls are required to remain open later than is prescribed by law in order to accommodate voters waiting in line to vote, the poll workers who remain working at the polls will be compensated at an hourly rate commensurate with the State minimum wage. The bill specifies that the State will reimburse any county that incurs additional costs as a result of the provisions of the bill being enacted.
AI Summary
This bill increases the compensation for poll workers in New Jersey for specific tasks and introduces overtime pay for those who work past closing time. Currently, poll workers receive a small flat fee for picking up and returning poll books, with a maximum of $25 for one person. This bill significantly raises that amount to $100 for one person or $50 if the responsibility is shared between two people. Additionally, if polls are required to stay open later than scheduled to allow all voters in line to cast their ballots, poll workers will be paid an hourly wage equivalent to the State minimum wage for the extra time they work. The State will also reimburse counties for any increased costs they incur due to these new provisions.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 03/19/2026)
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/S3968 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4000/3968_I1.HTM |
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