The bill revises New Jersey's voter registration procedures, particularly in relation to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It eliminates the requirement for individuals to fill out a separate voter registration form when applying for a driver's license, allowing for automatic registration or updates during the application process. The MVC is mandated to electronically transmit relevant voter registration information, such as name, date of birth, and citizenship status, to the Secretary of State for eligible applicants. This streamlining aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of voter registration. Additionally, the bill establishes that eligibility to vote is contingent upon actual registration with the MVC, and it requires the MVC to process changes to residence and name information for voter registration.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for automatic voter registration through various state agencies, ensuring that individuals' information is kept up to date. It specifies that individuals in the Address Confidentiality Program will not have their information transmitted for voter registration. The notice sent to newly registered voters must be available in multiple languages and inform recipients about the confidentiality of their registration status. The bill also allows the Secretary of State to create necessary guidelines for implementation, with an effective date set for January 1, 2025. Overall, these changes are designed to simplify the voter registration process and encourage higher participation in elections.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 19:31-6.5, 19:31-6.14, 39:2-3.2, 39:3-10