The proposed bill modifies New Jersey's mail-in voting laws by requiring voters to submit an application for a mail-in ballot each calendar year, thereby eliminating the previous automatic designation for voters who had opted for mail-in voting in prior years. Voters can choose to apply for mail-in ballots for all elections within the year or for specific elections, with those selecting the all-elections option receiving ballots automatically unless they opt out in writing. This change aims to enhance voter engagement in the mail-in voting process.

In addition to the mail-in ballot application requirements, the bill introduces amendments to the voter registration application process, including the removal of certain political party affiliation options and the addition of clarifying language regarding mail-in ballot distribution. It also emphasizes the necessity for personal identification information for first-time voters who registered by mail. County clerks are tasked with notifying current mail-in voters about the new application requirement within 30 days of the bill's implementation, which will take effect immediately but will be enforced starting the day after the November general election following its effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19:31-6.4, 19:63-3, 19:63-5, 19:63-6, 19:63-3.1