TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Raymond Lesniak, which would permit ballots to be counted if they are postmarked before election day, but arrive within seven days after the election, was approved today by the full Senate, by a vote of 21 to 14.
“The time period between mailing an election ballot, and the ballot actually being received to be counted can vary, even with the best of intentions,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “This bill would help to ensure that those who have difficulty, or are simply unable to make it to the polls on election day, are able to have their voices heard, and votes counted.”
Senator Lesniak’s bill, S-1916, would ensure that voters whose mail-in ballots arrive within seven days of the election deadline are not disenfranchised.
Current law provides that mail-in ballots for primary, general, special school, or non-partisan elections must be counted if they are received by the time the polls close for the day. Vote by Mail ballots that have been postmarked before election day, but are received after the polls close are not permitted to be counted.
This measure now heads to the Assembly for consideration. #