SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2820

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  AUGUST 20, 2020

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2820.

     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.