This bill amends New Jersey election laws to extend the early voting period for primary elections and modifies the deadline for appointing election challengers. Specifically, the deadline for appointing challengers is changed from the second Tuesday preceding an election to the third Tuesday preceding an election. Additionally, the early voting period for both non-presidential and presidential primary elections is extended to begin 7 calendar days before the election, rather than the previous 4 and 6 days, respectively. This results in a total of six days of early voting leading up to primary elections.

To support these changes, the bill appropriates $6 million from the General Fund to the Department of State, with additional funds allocated to county and municipal governing bodies conducting early voting as deemed necessary by the State Treasurer and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting. The bill aims to enhance voter access and participation in the electoral process by providing a longer early voting period and ensuring that election challengers are appointed in a timely manner.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19:15A-1