Criminal Justice (Elections)

This bill allows incarcerated voters in New Jersey who are not convicted of serious felonies to request and receive mail-in ballots. It requires the Secretary of State and the Department of Corrections to work together to provide ballot applications and ensure ballots are sent to the inmate's detention facility. The law also mandates that if an inmate is moved to a different location, the Department of Corrections must deliver the ballot to the new site. Importantly, the bill does not restore voting rights to those convicted of indictable offenses, and any ballots sent to individuals who become ineligible after submitting a request are automatically voided.

This bill allows qualified voters in New Jersey who are detained or incarcerated for non-indictable offenses or pending trial to request and receive mail-in ballots. It requires the Secretary of State to work with the Department of Corrections to provide ballot applications and ensure ballots are sent to the facility where the voter is held. The legislation also mandates that if a voter is transferred to a different location, the Department of Corrections must facilitate the delivery of the ballot. However, the bill explicitly maintains that individuals convicted of indictable offenses remain ineligible to vote, and any ballots cast by those who later become ineligible are voided.