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 or action that allows noncitizens to vote as against public policy and null and void. Furthermore, it stipulates that any elected local government officer who votes to approve such an ordinance or resolution would be in violation of their oath of office, which requires 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 legal language is introduced to clarify that no elected local government officer shall engage in actions that violate their oath, particularly regarding support for the U.S. Constitution and the New Jersey Constitution. The bill aims to reinforce the principle that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in state elections and to ensure ethical conduct among local government officials.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:9-22.5