NJ A1196

Changes New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) voter registration from opt-out automatic registration to a system where applicants who provide citizenship documentation are automatically registered without needing to take action, while those without citizenship documentation must affirmatively select or decline registration.

Requires the MVC Chief Administrator to electronically transmit voter registration information (name, date of birth, address, signature, etc.) to the Secretary of State for applicants who provide documentation demonstrating U.S. citizenship and are not already registered.

Newly registered voters through the automated system receive a mailed notice explaining their registration, with an option to decline registration, affiliate with a political party, or request mail-in ballots; if they decline, their registration is cancelled and they are deemed never registered.

Establishes automatic voter registration procedures for the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (Medicaid applicants) who are verified as U.S. citizens, and coordinates registration opportunities for eligible individuals being released from incarceration.

Requires change of address and name information submitted to the MVC to be used to automatically update existing voter registrations and, for voters moving between counties, transfer their registration to the new county of residence.