| The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee advanced legislation sponsored by its Chair, Senator James Beach, along with Senator Andrew Zwicker, which would instruct the State’s county clerks to send an application for a mail-in ballot to each registered voter when they turn 18 years old.
“Only 65 percent of eligible New Jerseyans cast a ballot in this year’s election, marking the lowest turnout for a presidential race in State history,” said Senator Beach (D-Camden/Burlington). “One way to improve voter participation is to increase accessibility for young voters, many of whom are away at school during general elections. By providing them an opportunity to register for Vote by Mail upon their 18th birthday, we are empowering them to create a voting plan well in advance of Election Day.”
Under current law, a person who is at least 17 years old and will be 18 on the date of the next general election can to register to vote, provided they meet all other voter registration requirements.
“It is so important to get young people involved in civic life,” said Senator Zwicker (D-Middlesex/Mercer/Somerset/Hunterdon). “Studies have shown that when people start voting young, they form a habit and continue to do so throughout their lives. By sending new voters mail-in ballot application forms, we are making it easier than ever to participate in the electoral process.”
Under the bill, S-3617, the State would reimburse each county for additional direct expenditures required to implement the bill.
The bill was advanced in a 3-0 vote. |
Increasing more INFORMED voters is OK, not just every moofster plugged into tic tock-the source of all their information should get to vote. If someone can’t put in the effort to go to their municipal building and fill out a voter’s registration card you are most likely adding just one more uninformed voter. Given the conspiracy theories all around maybe institute a poll test and weed out the uninformed.