Requires automatic recount for local elections with vote difference of 10 votes or less at candidate's request; provides for geographic regions for judges to adjudicate election recounts and contests; establishes certain adjudication and hearing timelines.

This bill requires an automatic recount for county or municipal elections decided by a margin of 10 votes or less, triggered by a candidate's request within 24 hours of election certification. The State covers the recount costs, and the recount must be completed within three days. It also creates three geographic regions across New Jersey (Northern, Central, Southern) for assigning Superior Court judges to handle election recounts and contests, with the Chief Justice publishing the assigned judges annually. All recount and contest cases must be heard within 36 hours of filing, and appeals within 24 hours, ensuring decisions are resolved before elected officials assume office.