NJ S1738

Eliminates the 144-hour grace period for accepting mail-in ballots postmarked by election day and the 48-hour grace period for ballots without postmarks, requiring all mail-in ballots to be received before polls close on election day

Increases penalties for ballot messenger/bearer violations from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime

Maintains the existing limit allowing a person to serve as an authorized messenger or bearer for no more than three qualified voters per election

Prohibits candidates from serving as ballot messengers or bearers in elections where they appear on the ballot, with enhanced second-degree crime penalties for violations

Conviction for messenger/bearer violations results in disenfranchisement until pardoned or restored by law, in addition to other authorized penalties