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). It permits police officers to be within 100 feet of these locations while performing their official duties and clarifies that election boards can request police assistance to maintain order. Additionally, the bill allows police officers to assist in transporting election materials, enhancing security and responsiveness during elections.

Furthermore, the legislation modifies the role of police officers who are also members of district boards of elections, allowing them to serve as challengers for political parties or candidates without wearing uniforms or carrying weapons at polling places. The bill also 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 streamline the process and improve the overall management of election security. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

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