This bill amends existing New Jersey election laws to enhance the early voting process. It establishes specific timelines for early voting periods, which will begin seven days before non-presidential and presidential primary elections and ten days before general elections, concluding two days prior to each respective election. The bill mandates the use of electronic poll books and optical-scan voting machines that produce voter-verifiable paper ballots during early voting. Additionally, it allows municipalities conducting regular elections in May to adopt early voting, with designated locations for voters to cast their ballots. The bill also stipulates that early voting sites must be public facilities and prohibits the use of public school buildings for this purpose.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of county boards of elections in designating early voting locations based on the number of registered voters and ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It requires the development of security plans for the integrity of the voting process and mandates that each polling place be equipped with necessary supplies and technology. The bill appropriates $6 million from the General Fund to support its implementation and provides for additional state aid to counties and municipalities conducting early voting. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19:15A-1
Advance Law: 19:15A-1
Pamphlet Law: 19:15A-1