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TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan which provides military and overseas voters more time to vote by mail during a federal election was signed into law earlier this week by Governor Christie.

“The value of a democracy is measured by the electorate’s ability to choose their own leaders, and through them, the direction for policy moving forward,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic, and chair of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee. “The right of the people to choose their elected representatives does not stop at the nation’s borders, and we need to give ample time for overseas voters to participate – especially the men and women in uniform who are engaged in protecting our freedoms and interests abroad. This bill makes sure that we send out overseas ballots earlier, to give everyone an opportunity to have their voices be heard.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan which would provide military and overseas voters more time to vote by mail during a federal election was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 39-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“Democracy depends upon the ability of the electorate to choose the leaders who will help shape the direction of this country moving forward,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic, and chair of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee. “That right doesn’t stop at that nation’s boundaries, and we need to give ample time to overseas voters to participate – particularly the brave men and women in uniform who are engaged in protecting our freedoms overseas. This bill would require mail-in and overseas ballots to go out five days earlier, in order to ensure that everyone has a chance to have their voices be heard.”