New Jersey Assembly Passes Early In-Person Voting Bill

NEWARK – The New Jersey Assembly today, by a vote of 58-11-1, passed A4830/S3203, legislation to establish early in-person voting in New Jersey, bringing the state a step closer to joining many other states that already provide this option for casting a ballot. Having been amended in the Assembly Appropriations Committee last year, the bill will now go back to the Senate to concur before heading to Gov. Murphy’s desk for signature.

“This is a big day for democracy expansion in New Jersey,” said Henal Patel, Democracy & Justice Director at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. “Voting should be as easy and accessible as possible. Early in-person voting encourages participation, increases satisfaction and results in shorter lines on Election Day.”

The legislation will allow for early in-person voting, using voting machines and electronic poll books, and would take place in at least three, five or seven locations in each county, depending on the county’s population. It will start ten days before Election Day for November elections, six days before presidential primaries and four days before other primaries. Under this system, a voter will be able to go to any early voting site in their county to vote.

“We are encouraged that legislators see that while voting by mail is an essential part of the voting system that must be robustly available, it is not an equitable solution for everyone. Black and other people of color traditionally distrust this system more than white voters, and voting by mail does not meet the needs of people with certain disabilities, language challenges or no permanent address,” added Patel. “We look forward to this legislation becoming law so that it can be in effect for this November’s elections, when the entire legislative body, the Governor and other offices will be on the ballot.”

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