LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ESTIMATE
SENATE, No. 2820
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
219th LEGISLATURE
DATED: NOVEMBER 12, 2020
SUMMARY
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Synopsis: |
Allows registered voters to submit application to vote by mail using online voter registration website maintained by Secretary of State up to seven days before election. |
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Type of Impact: |
One-time expenditure increase to the State General Fund. |
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Agencies Affected: |
Division of Elections, Department of State. |
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Office of Legislative Services Estimate |
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Fiscal Impact |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
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State Cost Increase |
$200,000 to $500,000 |
$0 |
$0 |
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· The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) reached out to the Division of Elections for comment on this bill and concurs with the division’s informal estimate. In discussion with the division regarding the implementation and fiscal impacts of the bill, the division indicated that reprograming the Statewide Voter Registration System to provide an electronic mail-in ballot application form for voters to request mail-in ballots would require a one-time cost of between $200,000 and $500,000.
· Promulgating rules and regulations and updating notification procedures can be accomplished with existing staff and using current resources.
BILL DESCRIPTION
This bill allows registered voters to submit an application to vote by mail electronically, using the online voter registration website maintained by the Secretary of State, up to seven days before an election.
Under current law, registered voters may apply to vote by mail using a paper application form up to seven days before an election, and may apply for a mail-in ballot in person up to 3:00 PM the day before Election Day. This bill would allow registered voters to complete a mail-in ballot application form electronically using the online voter registration website established by the Secretary of State.
Under the bill, applications to vote by mail submitted online would be forwarded to the appropriate county clerk. The bill requires the electronic application to be signed by the applicant using the applicant’s electronic signature in the Statewide Voter Registration System, and to state the applicant’s place of voting residence and the address to which the ballot will be sent. The bill directs the Secretary of State to prepare a mail-in ballot electronic application form and authorizes the secretary to promulgate any rules and regulations deemed necessary. The bill also updates the notices required to be published ahead of each election concerning the manner of applying to vote by mail, to include the online application form authorized by the bill.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
None received.
OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
The OLS reached out to the Division of Elections for comment on this bill and concurs with the division’s informal estimate. In discussion with the division regarding the implementation and fiscal impacts of the bill, the division indicated that reprograming the Statewide Voter Registration System to provide an electronic mail-in ballot application form for voters to request mail-in ballots would require a one-time cost of between $200,000 and $500,000. There will be no future costs to update or reprogram the system for future elections as related to this bill. Promulgating rules and regulations and updating notification procedures can be accomplished with existing staff and using current resources.
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Section: |
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Analyst: |
Lead Fiscal Analyst |
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Approved: |
Frank W. Haines III Legislative Budget and Finance Officer |
This fiscal estimate has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67 (C.52:13B-6 et seq.).