This bill amends New Jersey's election laws to ensure that all registered voters automatically receive mail-in ballots for every election, unless they choose to opt out or have not voted by mail for four consecutive years. The new legal language specifies that "each registered voter will automatically receive a mail-in ballot for all future elections unless the voter notifies the county clerk in writing that the voter no longer wants to receive a mail-in ballot." Additionally, the bill modifies the voter registration application to inform voters about this automatic mail-in ballot provision. It also allows voters who receive a mail-in ballot to vote in person by surrendering their mail-in ballot at the polling place.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the early voting process, establishing guidelines for early voting periods, locations, and accessibility requirements. It increases the timeframe for county boards of elections to begin opening and canvassing mail-in ballots from five days to ten days before the election. The bill also mandates that county clerks conduct voter education campaigns about the new mail-in voting procedures and ensures that voters who have not received their mail-in ballots can still vote provisionally at the polls. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the voting process, improve voter access to mail-in ballots, and maintain the security and integrity of the election process in New Jersey.

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