Politics & Government
COVID-19 Spike Extends NJ Election Certification Deadlines
The pandemic extended election cycle is being stretched out a few extra days, according to Governor Phil Murphy.
NEW JERSEY - Those awaiting official and final results for the Nov. 3 election may be waiting a little longer as Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 198, extending certain election-related deadlines Thursday night.
“Our democracy is stronger when every voice is heard,” said Murphy. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented difficulties for the civil servants charged with the extremely important task of certifying and auditing elections. This executive order will provide these dedicated officials with the time they need to properly conclude their work for this year’s general election.”
Under EO #198, county boards of elections that have notified the Office of the Secretary of State prior to the issuance of this Order that the county board of canvassers cannot hold their meeting by November 20 due to the significant impact of COVID-19 on their staff and facilities will have their certification deadlines extended until November 25. Ocean and Salem counties qualify for this extension.
Find out what's happening in Mendham-Chesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The EO extends the deadline by which counties must certify the results of the election from to Wednesday, Nov. 25 for those counties that are unable to meet the initial deadline because COVID-19 has had a significant impact on their boards of election staff and facilities, with only Ocean and Salem counties being eligible.
The EO also extends, for all counties, the date by which statutorily-required election audits must occur, from Dec. 4 until Dec. 11. The deadline to conduct the election audit required under statute which is currently Dec. 4 is extended an additional week, until Dec. 11 for all counties.
Find out what's happening in Mendham-Chesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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