Bill > A5563

Introduced Session

This bill, which is designated as the "Election Integrity Through Voter ID Act," requires photo identification for voting at polling places, updates procedures for challenging voters regarding proof of identity, and provides for free non-driver identification for certain persons. This bill would require persons voting at a polling place to present certain documentation as proof of voter identity to vote, beginning with the first election held after January 1, 2027. A person voting in person at a polling place would be required to show or submit a copy of a New Jersey's driver's license, New Jersey non-driver identification card, or other official document that includes all of the following criteria: (1) the name of the voter to whom the document was issued; (2) a photograph of the voter to whom the document was issued; (3) an expiration date that has not passed; and (4) was issued by the federal government or this State. For first-time voters, this documentation would be required in addition to the production of any document necessary to fulfill the proof of identity requirement mandated by the federal "Help America Vote Act of 2002," if that first-time voter had registered to vote by mail without submitting federally-acceptable identity verification with the registration. However, a first-time voter in this situation would be required to present only one document with respect to both identification requirements, if that document is able to satisfy the document criteria as applicable to each requirement. The requirement for verifying voter identity through additional documentation would not apply to any voter entitled to vote by mail-in ballot under the federal "Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act," provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under the federal "Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act," or any other federal law. In order to administer the bill's new voter verification requirement, the bill updates the statutory provisions governing election day challenges to a person's right to vote by district board members or other authorized challengers, as appointed pursuant to Chapter 7 of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes. With respect to any voter who is denied the right to vote for failing to display acceptable documentation, that voter would be provided a provisional ballot. In order for that ballot to be officially counted in an election, the voter would need to produce the required documentation by the close of business on the second day after the election to the applicable county commissioner of registration. The Motor Vehicle Commission will be required to issue a non-driver identification card without cost to any voter requiring such documentation who qualifies for SNAP benefits and provides an affidavit of indigence. This bill is intended to promote confidence in the State's election system. By requiring photo identification to vote, New Jersey will join the 36 states that require voters to furnish identification when voting at the polls and the 23 states that require such identification to include a photograph.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Alex Sauickie (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 09/24/2026)

Bill Topics

Official Document