This bill amends New Jersey election laws to allow police presence at ballot drop boxes and polling places, 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 bill also clarifies that election boards can request police assistance to maintain order and allows police officers to assist with election-related activities, such as transporting election materials.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the role of police officers who are members of district boards of elections, allowing them to serve without wearing a police uniform or carrying a weapon at polling places. It emphasizes that while police can help maintain order, they cannot perform the duties of district board members. Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for district boards 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. Overall, the bill aims to enhance security and order during elections by permitting police presence where it was previously restricted.

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