On Tuesday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a significant new bill expanding early in-person voting for New Jersey’s upcoming gubernatorial and Assembly races. This legislation, which received bipartisan approval from both chambers of the Legislature in February, will extend the early voting period to six days in primary elections, starting one week before Election Day and continuing through the Sunday before.
“Millions of New Jersey voters have already taken advantage of in-person early voting since it was introduced just four years ago. This bill will provide voters with more time to cast their ballots, ensuring their voices are heard by Election Day,” Governor Murphy remarked.
The expansion follows a notable surge in early in-person voting in the 2024 general election. Nearly 1.2 million New Jersey residents voted early in November, a significant rise from just 213,919 in the previous year. With this new bill, voters will now have six days of early voting in primary elections, compared to the previous three days, with an additional two days added in presidential election years.
While the early voting period for general elections remains unchanged at nine days, the extended voting window will be available for the primary elections on June 10. Voters will choose candidates for governor and all 80 seats in the General Assembly. This marks a crucial election as six Democrats and at least five Republicans compete for the gubernatorial nomination, following Governor Murphy’s decision not to seek a third term.
New Jersey first introduced early in-person voting during the 2021 general election, following the passage of a law signed that year. Bill sponsor, Senator Brian Stack (D-Hudson), praised the new law, stating, “This legislation is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to improving voter access and modernizing the election process for New Jersey residents.”
The new law includes a $6 million allocation for expanding early voting, with provisions for additional funding to support local and county governments in handling early voting expenses.
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