This bill seeks to define and prohibit voter disenfranchisement in New Jersey, establishing penalties for such actions and creating a framework for enforcement. It introduces new legal definitions for terms such as "disenfranchise," "election official," and "voter," while outlining specific actions that constitute voter disenfranchisement. The legislation allows individuals who believe they have been disenfranchised to pursue a private cause of action and mandates the creation of an Independent Election Oversight Committee to monitor elections and investigate reports of disenfranchisement. Additionally, it requires polling places to be accessible and conveniently located, and prohibits state agencies from requiring identification to vote or register, imposing penalties for violations.

To support these initiatives, the bill allocates $100,000 for public awareness campaigns aimed at educating voters about their rights and the voting process, and mandates training for election officials on recognizing and preventing voter disenfranchisement. It criminalizes providing false information regarding voter eligibility and voting procedures, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The Independent Election Oversight Committee will investigate reports of disenfranchisement, impose fines, and refer violations to law enforcement. The Secretary of State is also required to conduct annual audits of election policies, further enhancing election integrity and ensuring fair practices in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19:34-1.1