Gov. Murphy Signs 5 NJ Bills Into Law, Safeguarding Voting Rights

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy has signed five bills into law, including a legislative package supporting this year’s primarily vote-by-mail general election.

He also signed a bill that allows alcoholic beverages on the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk, and another that requires law enforcement officers to take bias training.

Murphy said the series of bills will provide resources and safeguards for New Jersey voters.

“COVID-19 has caused us to re-evaluate the way we typically hold our elections,” said Murphy. “Even in the face of a pandemic, we are firmly committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive general election. Today’s bill signings build on our commitment to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to safely cast their votes.”

The following bills were signed into law:

• A4475/S2580 (Reynolds-Jackson, Benson, Caputo/Singleton, Sarlo, Beach) – Requires county boards of election to establish ballot drop boxes in each county at least 45 days before election; revises procedures concerning mail-in ballots for 2020 general election.
• A4276/S2598 (Zwicker, Benson, Conaway/Gopal, Sarlo, Gill) – Establishes “The Ballot Cure Act” requiring election officials to notify voters within 72 hours of receiving their ballot – or within 48 hours of Election Day – to provide an explanation for the potential rejection and an opportunity to repair the defect.
• A4320/S2633 (Zwicker, Benson, Freiman/Gopal, Sarlo) – Extends ballot receipt and election certification deadlines; increases certain messenger and bearer ballot limits; requires certain information to increase public awareness and use of voting by mail.

Sen. Troy Singleton said it's "becoming clearer by the day" that voters need alternative ways to deliver their ballots given the troubles with the US postal Service.

"This is why every county should have drop boxes where people can directly submit their ballots," he said. "This increased accessibility will encourage voters to partake in this civic duty.”

Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker said the "Ballot Cure Act" will give each person the comfort of knowing that, when their ballot is cast, their vote is recorded.

"The purpose of this bill is to make voting more accessible and minimize the likelihood of disenfranchisement," he said. "We must make sure that every vote counts.”

As for extending deadlines, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker said: “Doing everything to ensure voters are fully prepared with the know-how to vote by mail and to ensure this method of voting is fair and transparent is critical to prevent voter suppression and protect the vote.”

Under S2633, the secretary of state is required to: (1) prepare informational posters for use at all polling places that promote voting by mail, (2) include with mail-in ballots information for the voter on how to check the status of the voter’s mail-in ballot, and (3) provide educational materials to county board of elections employees on the standards for acceptance and rejection of mail-in ballots.

“Recent months have revealed concerning flaws in our vote-by-mail system, many the result of simple, avoidable error,” said Assemblyman Daniel Benson. “As we look to the general election in November, this legislation ensures voters are not only armed with the information to vote-by-mail, but also that mail-in ballots aren’t unduly being rejected and left uncounted.”

Murphy also signed legislation (A299) that allows alcoholic beverages to be consumed from open containers on certain outdoor property located within the Atlantic City Tourism District

The bill defines an “open container area” as portions of the beach, boardwalk, and other areas within the Atlantic City Tourism District in which pedestrians are permitted to carry and consume open containers of alcoholic beverages.

"Despite the economic hardship that this pandemic has levied on our casino and hospitality industries, the Atlantic City community has once again proven its resiliency and readiness for a strong future,” said Murphy. “By permanently allowing outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain areas of the Tourism District, we can extend short-term support to small businesses who need it, and further strengthen the resurgence of Atlantic City as the East Coast’s premier resort destination.”

Murphy additionally signed legislation (A3641) that requires the Department of Law and Public Safety to add implicit bias training to their cultural diversity training curriculum for law enforcement officers.

The bill would also make cultural diversity and implicit bias training mandatory and require every state, county and municipal law enforcement department to provide the training once every five years.

“To build upon on our progress to reshape policing, we must address the systemic and implicit biases that too often negatively impact relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said Murphy. “This action, among other critical reforms led by Attorney General Grewal, is a part of a comprehensive approach to ensure that New Jersey is second to none in demanding the highest standards of accountability and professionalism from our law enforcement officers.”