This bill amends New Jersey's election laws to grant district boards of elections and county boards the discretion to make the initial determination of the validity of cast ballots. Specifically, it allows these boards to assess whether any marks, signs, or other notations on a ballot were intended to identify or distinguish the ballot, which could lead to its rejection. The bill emphasizes that the boards can also decide if marks made next to a candidate's name were intended to cast a vote for that candidate, regardless of whether the marks are within the designated area on the ballot.

Additionally, the bill introduces several provisions to clarify the conditions under which ballots may be deemed null and void. It specifies that ballots cannot be invalidated due to unauthorized marks unless the board is satisfied that such marks were intended to identify the ballot. Furthermore, it states that ballots should not be declared invalid based on the color of the ink used, misprints of candidates' names, or the presence of certain marks in blank spaces. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the ballot counting process and enhance the discretion of election boards in determining ballot validity.