Aiming to make it safe and more convenient for eligible New Jersey residents to register to vote, legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gabriela Mosquera, Patricia Jones and Paul Moriarty that would allow New Jersey residents to opt for online registration was signed into law by the Governor on Tuesday.
The legislation (A-422), now law, allows New Jersey voters to register to vote securely online and authorizes the use of a voter’s digitized signature from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission database to approve the online registration form.
“Whether it’s shopping or maintaining our bank accounts online, the Internet has become integral in our daily routines. Allowing people to register to vote online provides a similar ease for residents who wish to participate in general elections,” said Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester). “Online registration opens up opportunity for more residents and, particularly, new generations to register to vote more quickly and easily.”
“Eligible voters should be able to register to vote from home or any place with a laptop and an Internet connection,” said Assemblywoman Patricia Egan Jones (D-Camden). “It’s more practical for the times we are in and it just makes sense.”
Under the law, the Secretary of State will create an online voter registration form on the Department of State website that would allow a person qualified to vote in New Jersey to complete the form online and submit it to the appropriate county commissioner of registration for approval. It would allow the use of the digitized signatures of drivers who authorize the use of that signature for voter registration purposes.
“By making voter registration just a click away, we will better fit the needs of the next generation of voters,” said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester). “When we make it easier for residents to register to vote, we help ensure every eligible resident their right to be heard at the polls.”
The law received final legislative approval 61-14-2 in the full Assembly and 27-10 in the Senate on January 13, 2020. It takes effect 180 days following enactment.