Beach Bill Allowing Electronic Sample Ballots Advances

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator James Beach that would allow primary election and school election sample ballots to be sent by email instead of regular mail was passed by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee today.

“Each year millions of dollars are spent on printing and sending out sample ballots to eligible voters,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “Electronic sample ballots will have a positive impact both fiscally and environmentally, reducing costs and saving paper.”

The bill, S-649, would allow eligible voters across the state to request an electronic sample ballot in lieu of a paper ballot for all primary and school elections. Ballots would be provided by either the district board of election or the commissioner of registration.

The Secretary of State and election officials in the state would be responsible for establishing a method to inform voters of the opportunity to receive a sample ballot electronically and how to request one. They would also be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of voter email addresses and informing voters how to resume receiving paper sample ballots.

The bill was released with a 4-0 vote and advances to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further consideration.