This bill amends New Jersey election laws to allow police presence at ballot drop boxes and polling places during elections, reversing a prohibition established by a previous law (P.L.2021, c.459). Police officers are now permitted to be within 100 feet of these locations while performing their official duties. The legislation also clarifies that election boards can request police assistance to maintain order and allows law enforcement to be assigned to assist with election-related activities as necessary.

Furthermore, the bill modifies regulations regarding police officers serving as members of district boards of elections or as challengers for political parties or candidates, stipulating that these officers must not wear uniforms or carry weapons while performing these roles at polling places. Additionally, it eliminates the requirement for district boards of elections to notify county election authorities about police dispatches, as well as the obligations for county election authorities and the Secretary of State to keep records of such dispatches. This aims to create a secure election environment while ensuring that the presence of law enforcement does not intimidate voters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19:6-15.1, 19:63-16.1