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NJ S4795

Bill

Status

Introduced

10/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

Anthony M. Bucco

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2024-2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Mandates bipartisan representation from both Republican and Democratic parties during the opening, processing, and canvassing of mail-in ballots by county boards of elections

  • Requires county boards to begin opening mail-in ballots five days before election day, changing this from optional to mandatory

  • Establishes minimum security requirements for mail-in ballot storage, including at least one of: dual-key locks requiring officials from both parties, video surveillance, or access logs

  • Creates a new second-degree crime for accessing or attempting to access secure mail-in ballot storage areas without appropriate election officials from both parties present, punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $150,000

  • Upgrades existing election fraud offenses (voting twice, tampering with ballots, destroying election materials, interfering with election officers) from third-degree to second-degree crimes

Legislative Description

Requires county boards of election to have bipartisan representation when opening and canvassing mail-in ballots; requires secure storage of mail-in ballots; upgrades penalties for certain election-related crimes.

State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

10/27/2025

Committee Referrals

State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation10/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available