This bill mandates the provision of accessible mail-in ballots for voters with disabilities in New Jersey. When a county clerk receives a request for such a ballot, they must send it electronically to the eligible voter, who must be registered to vote in that county. The accessible mail-in ballot is designed to assist voters with disabilities in understanding the ballot's contents, marking their selections, making changes, and verifying their choices before submission. Key features of the ballot include electronic delivery, guided audible prompts, compatibility with braille display devices, and the ability to print or generate an electronic file of the completed ballot. Voters can submit their ballots by mail, in person, or via a ballot drop box, and those deemed "electronic return eligible" can return their ballots electronically.
The bill also defines "electronic return eligible" voters as those who are blind, have significant visual impairments, or have physical disabilities that hinder their ability to mark or manipulate a ballot. Additionally, the Secretary of State is tasked with developing uniform guidelines for election officials to ensure the effective implementation of these provisions. This legislation aims to enhance accessibility and ensure that voters with disabilities can participate fully in the electoral process.