TRENTON, N.J. – Legislation has advanced in the State Senate to bar electioneering within 100 feet of New Jersey ballot drop boxes, closing a loophole created by the state’s remote November election mandate. It also restricts local police access to ballot drop boxes.
If S2923/A4655 is passed and signed into law, law enforcement officers (on or off duty) would not be allowed within 100 feet of a polling place or ballot box unless they’re there to vote. Ballot boxes also cannot be placed within 100 feet of a law enforcement agency.
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State Senator Shirley Turner (the bill’s sponsor and a Democrat) says her bill is necessary to combat voter intimidation.
“I reject this proposed law that municipalities are BEING TOLD BY Trenton not to protect polling locations,” Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-21) tweeted on Wednesday. “Another bad idea from Trenton.”
The bill passed out of the State Senate Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation (SSG) on Monday in a party-line 3-2 vote. Over in the lower chamber, the legislation is waiting for action in the Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee.
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