This bill addresses the issue of noncitizens voting in local elections in New Jersey, asserting that local governments lack the authority to permit such voting. It declares any ordinance, resolution, or action that allows noncitizens to vote as against public policy and therefore null and void. Furthermore, it stipulates that any elected local government officer who votes to approve such measures would be in violation of their oath of office, which mandates them to perform their duties faithfully and impartially.

Additionally, the bill amends the Local Government Ethics Law to include violations of the elected local government officer's oath of office as a breach of ethics, subjecting violators to potential fines. It introduces new provisions that clarify the conduct expected from local government officers, including prohibiting actions that would undermine their objectivity or independence of judgment. The bill emphasizes the importance of upholding the constitutional requirement that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in state elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:9-22.5