This bill mandates an automatic recount for county or municipal elections where the vote difference is 10 votes or less, initiated at the request of a candidate. The candidate must submit the recount request to the appropriate board of elections within 24 hours after the election results are certified, and the recount must be conducted within three days. The costs associated with the automatic recount will be borne by the State. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court to assign a minimum of three Superior Court judges to designated geographic regions for the purpose of adjudicating election recounts and contests, taking into account factors such as population and historical recount volume.

Furthermore, the bill establishes strict timelines for the adjudication of election recounts and contests, requiring that all matters be resolved before the elected candidate assumes office or the governing body is reorganized. Initial hearings for pleadings must occur within 36 hours of filing, while appeals must be heard within 24 hours or the next business day. This legislative change aims to streamline the recount process and ensure timely resolution of election disputes, enhancing the integrity and efficiency of local elections in New Jersey.