New Jersey
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While New Jersey has some strong voting policies, it can still stand to strengthen its approach to registration through online and same-day registration.
Contact your legislator using the FIND MY LEGISLATOR button below with this message of support for voting rights reform in New Jersey.
I’m reaching out today to express my support for SB 589, which would implement Automatic Voter Registration, and SB 2100 and AB 3456, which would allow incarcerated individuals to retain their right to vote. I believe that our democracy is strongest when all of our citizens can make their voice heard at the ballot box. As your constituent, I’m encouraging you to support these policies that will make it easier for everyone in New Jersey to exercise their right to vote.
LEARN MORE
Automatic Voter Registration- Governor Murphy signed automatic voter registration into law in April 2018. Like many other states, AVR in New Jersey is only conducted at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
RECOMMENDATION: Expand AVR to a broad set of state agencies in New Jersey.
Online Voter Registration- New Jersey does not offer online voter registration.RECOMMENDATION: Enact SB 589, which would implement online voter registration.
Same-Day Registration- New Jersey does not offer same-day registration. RECOMMENDATION: Implement same-day registration as proposed by Governor Murphy.
Voter ID Requirement- No Voter ID is required at the polls. Registration does not require a photo ID. A bank statement, car registration, government check, or other documents confirming identity are permissible.
Early Voting- Early voting begins 45 days prior to Election Day and concludes the day before Election Day.
No Excuse Absentee- No excuses are required to vote absentee in New Jersey.
Mail-In Voting- Mail-in voting is only permitted in the context of absentee voting. RECOMMENDATION: Move New Jersey toward a mail-in vote state in line with practices in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Felon Re-Enfranchisement- Returning citizens have their voting rights automatically restored upon completion of sentence, parole, and probation.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement SB 2100 and its companion bill AB 3456, which would allow those on parole, probation, or serving a sentence to retain their right to vote.
Voter Bill of Rights- New Jersey has a clearly published voter bill of rights that is published in eleven languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Brazilian, Portuguese, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Portuguese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
Polling Hours- Polling places are open on Election Day from 6 am – 8 pm for 14 hours of voting time.
Wait Time Service Standard- Like other states, New Jersey does not have a wait time service standard. While New Jersey has substantial early voting, improving the Election Day experience is still vital.RECOMMENDATION: Implement and monitor a wait time service standard for polling places in New Jersey.
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