NJ S3816

County and district election boards are granted explicit discretion to determine voter intent when counting ballots, including marks that are not perfectly placed within designated squares or are made to the right of candidate names instead of the left

Ballots with marks substantially resembling a cross, plus sign, or check mark shall be counted if the board determines the voter intended to vote for a candidate or on a public question, regardless of exact mark placement, provided the mark is "reasonably close" to the appropriate square

Write-in votes shall be counted if the candidate's name is written reasonably close to the position for a particular office and accompanied by an appropriate mark or the word "Yes," if the board determines voter intent

Ballots shall only be declared null and void for distinguishing marks if the board is satisfied the marks were intended to identify or distinguish the ballot rather than cast a vote

The Secretary of State must establish uniform statewide guidelines, developed in consultation with county election boards, to assist in assessing ballot validity consistent with these standards