Division of Elections Proposes Adoption of Election Rules

From NJ Department of State -

"Trenton, NJ - The Division of Elections is proposing to readopt without changes the expired rules at N.J.A.C. 15:10. These rules have and will continue to have an advantageous impact on election administration in New Jersey. The rules consist of seven subchapters concerning voter registration applications, voter declaration of political party, elections district maps, absentee ballots, definition of county voter registration officials, voting accessibility for the elderly and handicapped, and rules pertaining to e-poll book systems with the requirements for Department approval. The notice of proposal will be published in the December 18, 2023, New Jersey Register at 55 N.J.R. 12(2).

The full text of the notice of proposal is posted on the Department of States Web site at:
https://nj.gov/state/assets/pdf/proposed-rules-changes/2024-nj-election-PRN-2023-123.pdf

Public comment on the proposal will be accepted through February 16, 2024. Please direct all public comments on this rule proposal to:

New Jersey Division of Elections
ATTN: Donna Barber
PO Box 304
Trenton, NJ 08625-0304
Email: donna.barber@sos.nj.gov."

What This Means...

The proposed election rule, N.J.A.C. 15:10, which expired on March 31, 2021, is being considered for re-adoption without changes. This summary outlines the key aspects of the proposed rule:

Purpose and Impact: The rule aims to enhance and clarify New Jersey’s election administration as outlined in Title 19 of the New Jersey Statutes. It is designed to positively impact election administration and inform citizens about specific voter registration procedures, receipt of registration forms, and party affiliation declaration processes.
Benefits for People with Disabilities: The rule includes provisions for improving polling place accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It proposes the establishment of a "Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee" in each county, tasked with inspecting polling places, reporting on their status, and outlining measures to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and P.L. 2005, c. 146.
Subchapter Details:
- Subchapter 1: Covers the purpose and scope of Chapter 10, defines terms, outlines rules for voter registration applications, federal standards for these applications, and the voter registration complaint procedure.
- Subchapter 2: Details rules for voter declaration of political party affiliation, responsibilities of municipal clerks, methods of declaring party affiliation, and the effects of such declarations.
- Subchapter 3: Focuses on the development of election district maps, responsibilities of county boards of election, delineation of election district boundaries, and map specifications for various districts.
- Subchapter 4: Governs the reproduction of vote by mail applications, outlines county clerks' responsibilities, requirements set by the Secretary of State, and completion requirements for mail applications.
- Subchapter 5: Defines the role of the county voter registration official.
- Subchapter 6: Addresses voting accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities, establishes the Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee, sets polling place accessibility standards, voting aids usage, and requires reporting by county boards of elections.
- Subchapter 7: Defines the purpose and scope of electronic poll book rules, requirements for these systems to receive Department approval, technical requirements, and the process for system review and approval.
Comment Period and Rulemaking: The Division of Elections has opened a 60-day comment period for this proposal, exempting it from the usual rulemaking calendar requirement as per N.J.A.C. 1:30-3.3(a)5.

Overall, the re-adoption of these rules aims to enhance election administration in New Jersey, with a significant focus on accessibility for individuals with disabilities and clarity in voter registration and party affiliation processes.