The bill introduces significant changes to New Jersey's voting procedures by mandating that all registered voters will automatically receive mail-in ballots for future elections, unless they opt out by notifying the county clerk in writing. This provision is designed to streamline the voting process and enhance accessibility. Additionally, the bill revises the voter registration application to inform voters about this automatic mail-in ballot system. It also establishes a system where voters who do not utilize mail-in voting for four consecutive years will be removed from the automatic mail-in ballot list, with notifications provided to those affected.

Moreover, the bill enhances early voting measures by requiring designated polling places to be accessible to individuals with disabilities and ensuring that these locations are equipped with electronic poll books and optical-scan voting machines. It allows voters who have received mail-in ballots to surrender them at polling places and vote in person without needing a provisional ballot. The bill also increases the timeframe for county boards of elections to begin opening and canvassing mail-in ballots from five to ten days before elections, while ensuring voter privacy in reporting results. Additionally, it creates a Mail-In Ballot Local Reimbursement Fund to help cover the costs of implementing these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19:15A-1, 19:31-6.4, 19:63-3, 19:63-3.1, 19:63-6, 19:63-6.1, 19:63-15, 19:63-22, 19:63-29