Bill > S536

This bill establishes early voting in New Jersey, allowing registered voters to cast their ballots at designated polling places for a period starting 15 days before and ending two days before a general election, using paper ballots that are also used for vote-by-mail. Municipalities holding regular elections in May can also opt to conduct early voting for those elections. The number of early voting locations in each county will depend on the number of registered voters, with specific requirements for accessibility and geographic distribution, and these locations must be public facilities but not public schools. Early voting sites will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with provisions for voters in line at closing time. The bill also outlines procedures for voter verification, the use of an "Early Voting Voter Certificate," and prohibits voters who participate in early voting from voting again by mail or in person on election day. It mandates the establishment of plans to ensure the integrity and security of the early voting process, including a chain of custody for ballots, and requires the State to reimburse counties and municipalities for additional costs incurred. Information about early voting will be published online and at polling places, and the Secretary of State is authorized to make necessary regulatory adjustments. The bill also amends existing laws to include early voting information in public notices and sample ballots, and to allow municipalities holding May municipal elections to conduct early voting for those elections. Finally, it appropriates funds from the General Fund to reimburse local governments for early voting costs and sets an effective date of January 1st following enactment.