“I am proud to sign legislation to make democracy more accessible here in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “Millions of voters in New Jersey have taken advantage of in-person early voting since its establishment just four years ago. This bill will give voters ample time to go to the polls to ensure their voices are heard by Election Day.”

“Great voter participation leads to a stronger democracy. Which is why, in 2021, our Administration worked to make the state more voter-friendly,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the Division of Elections in her capacity as Secretary of State. “By expanding our early voting period, we are giving voters more time to make their voices heard. Making the voting process more accessible ensures everyone has the opportunity to vote and ultimately, protects our democracy.”

The prime sponsors of this bill are Senator Brian Stack and Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez. Other primary sponsors include Senator Paul Moriarty and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.

"With the signing of this legislation, we are taking a significant step toward making our elections more accessible and efficient for all voters," said Senator Stack. "Extending the early voting period ensures that more people have the time and opportunity to participate in our democratic process without facing long lines or scheduling conflicts. This law reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthening voter access and modernizing our election system, and I am proud to see it become a reality for the people of our state."

“Having this bill signed into law and expanding the early voting period for both presidential and non-presidential primary elections shows that New Jersey remains committed to making sure every citizen who wants to vote will have the chance to do so,” said Senator Moriarty. “In a law that, in essence, will provide voters six days to cast their ballots in crucial primary elections, we are helping to assure the franchise for all our citizens and helping to grow and nurture our democracy in the name of free and fair elections.”

“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy—a fundamental right that ensures every voice is heard and every community is represented. This bill is about making in-person voting more accessible for all,” said Assemblyman Rodriguez. “Beyond benefiting voters, this bill will also relieve poll workers from overwhelming Election Day crowds and reduce financial strain on municipalities for the additional days. It’s a practical solution that enhances accessibility, efficiency, and participation in our democratic process.”

“Lengthening the early voting period will help us ensure that every eligible New Jerseyan can get to the voting booth and fulfill a vital civic responsibility,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson. “In 2024, our state saw an unprecedented number of early voters, with over 1 million residents casting their ballots during early in-person voting. By extending this period we are building on our commitment to expanding access and making sure every voice is heard.”

"New Jersey has made meaningful progress in strengthening democracy over the last few years, including implementing early voting during the pandemic, allowing Black voters in New Jersey to participate in the Souls to the Polls tradition after church," said Nuzhat Chowdhury, Director of the Democracy & Justice Program, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. "Extending early voting for primaries builds on this progress during a critical time for democracy in this country."

“The strength of our democracy depends on ensuring every voice is heard at the voting booth. Extending the early voting period for primary elections is an important step in increasing access to the ballot in New Jersey. We’re grateful to the Legislature and Governor Murphy for their leadership in safeguarding the right to vote, and we look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to further protect and expand voting rights in our state,” said Alejandra Sorto, Campaign Strategist, ACLU-NJ.

“We are encouraged to see Governor Murphy sign Bill S3990/A5370 into law, which extends early voting for primary elections. We fully support efforts that increase access to the polls, particularly for first time voters and immigrant communities, who often encounter significant barriers like irregular work hours, language barriers, and other challenges that make voting difficult," said Erik Cruz Morales, Policy and Advocacy Manager, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice.

"On behalf of New Jersey's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, we thank the Legislature and Governor Murphy for expanding our state's successful early voting program. As voting rights come under attack across the nation, we are heartened that our leaders are standing up for New Jersey's values by making voting more accessible and convenient for all of our state's diverse electorate," said Amber Reed, Co-Executive Director, AAPI New Jersey.

"Voting is a holy act of faith, a declaration of the just and inclusive world we are called to create. My grandmother fought for this right, believing in a future where every voice is heard. Expanding early voting isn’t just about convenience—it’s about justice, ensuring working families, elders, and first-time voters have a real chance to participate. Today, we honor those who came before us by breaking down barriers to the ballot box. Faith in New Jersey celebrates this step forward and remains committed to strengthening our democracy for all," said Charlene Walker, Executive Director, Faith in New Jersey.

“For decades, the League of Women Voters has been at the forefront of advocating for voters rights and reforms to defend our democracy,” said Jesse Burns, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. “On behalf of the LWV, I want to thank Governor Murphy and Lt. Governor Way for their commitment to strengthen elections here in New Jersey and make voting more accessible to all. This bill to extend the early in-person voting period will allow every day, hard-working voters extra time to get to the polls and let their voices be heard for the upcoming primary election.”

“Expanded early voting is key to making sure that voters, particularly Black people and other voters of color, can meaningfully participate in our democracy regardless of what life throws at them,” said Alex Ault, Policy Counsel, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Whether it’s inflexible work schedules or care for family members that can’t wait, having obligations on election day shouldn't bar participation in our elections or distort our democracy to just reflect the views of the privileged few. We applaud New Jersey for creating and funding more opportunities to vote, because it leads to a more meaningful democracy.”