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TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and Stephen M. Sweeney that would permit any legally registered voter to use an absentee ballot, under any circumstances was approved today by the Senate.

“The right to vote is such a definitive American value, and by expanding the power of the absentee ballot for New Jersey voters, we are upholding the core of American democracy that was cherished by our forefathers,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “To have a true representative government you need the input and participation of the people you represent. By giving voters greater availability to take advantage of the absentee ballot, we are engaging more people in the political process and allowing them to determine their own fate in regards to their representatives in local, county, state and federal offices.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and Stephen M. Sweeney that would permit any legally registered voter to vote by absentee ballot, under any circumstances was approved today by the Senate State Government Committee.

“We need to give voters every reasonable opportunity to exercise their right to vote, but we also have to be able to protect the integrity of the election process,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “This bill not only expands voters’ ability to take advantage of the absentee ballot option, but also provides protections to ensure that those ballots aren’t tainted through corrupt couriers with hidden partisan agendas. It will encourage people to vote without opening a new door for corrupt politics to exploit the democratic process.”