This bill addresses the issue of noncitizens voting in local elections in New Jersey, asserting that local units of government do not have 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. New provisions are added to the ethics law, including a clause that prohibits elected local government officers from engaging in actions that violate their oath, particularly regarding support for the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions. The bill aims to reinforce the principle that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in state elections while enhancing accountability for local government officers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:9-22.5