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NJ A5641

NJ A5641
"Election Integrity and Voter Protection Act"; restricts presence of active duty military and certain law enforcement near polling places and ballot drop boxes.


summary

Introduced
10/19/2026
In Committee
10/22/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill, designated as the "Election Integrity and Voter Protection Act," restricts the presence of active duty military and certain law enforcement near polling places and ballot drop boxes in this State. Under current law, State and local law enforcement officers are restricted from standing or remaining within 100 feet of a polling place or a ballot drop box during the conduct of an election. This bill additionally restricts federal law enforcement officers and active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the New Jersey National Guard from standing or remaining within 100 feet of a polling place or ballot drop box during the conduct of an election. Current law provides certain exceptions to when State and local law enforcement officers may stand or remain within 100 feet of a polling place or a ballot drop box. The bill applies those same exceptions to federal law enforcement officers and active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the New Jersey National Guard. The bill adds an exception for when members of the New Jersey National Guard are called upon by the Governor to protect voter access to polling places and ballot drop boxes. The bill also allows the Attorney General to bring a civil action in the appropriate Superior Court for injunctive relief to prevent violations of the bill's provisions. The bill defines "law enforcement officer" to mean a member of any federal, State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, department, or division of those governments who is statutorily empowered to act for the detection, investigation, arrest, conviction, detention, or rehabilitation of persons violating the laws of this State or of the United States.

AI Summary

This bill, designated as the "Election Integrity and Voter Protection Act," expands existing New Jersey restrictions to prohibit federal law enforcement officers, active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and members of the New Jersey National Guard from standing or remaining within 100 feet of a polling place or a ballot drop box during an election. Under the legislation, "law enforcement officers" are defined as personnel from federal, State, county, or municipal agencies who are legally authorized to investigate, arrest, detain, or rehabilitate individuals who violate laws. While these military and federal law enforcement personnel are generally barred from the 100-foot perimeter, the bill provides key exceptions allowing them to vote personally, travel through or remain in their personal residences if located within the restricted zone, assist voters who specifically need help, or respond to active emergencies, disturbances, or crimes. Additionally, the Governor retains the authority to deploy the National Guard specifically to protect voter access against threats of obstruction, and the New Jersey Attorney General is explicitly granted the power to file civil lawsuits in the Superior Court seeking injunctive relief—a court order to stop—any violations of these distance and presence rules.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Reported and Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 10/22/2026)

Bill Topics

Civil Rights, Minority Issues, and Civil Liberties
  • ‐ Voting Rights and Issues

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location Created
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A5641 10/20/2026
Analysis - Statement AOF 10/22/26 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A6000/5641_S1.PDF 10/23/2026
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A6000/5641_I1.HTM 10/20/2026
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