This bill amends existing election laws in New Jersey to grant district boards of elections and county boards the discretion to make the initial determination regarding the validity of cast ballots. Specifically, it allows these boards to assess whether any marks, signs, or other indications 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 that clarify the conditions under which ballots may be deemed null and void. It states 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 specifies that ballots should not be declared invalid for reasons such as misprints of candidates' names or the color of the ink used for marking. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the ballot counting process and empower election boards with greater discretion in determining ballot validity.