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TRENTON – Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Phil Murphy Aug. 14 signed an executive order to create a modified vote-by-mail (VBM) election for the Nov. 3 General Election.
According to a release, the order suspends the sending of sample ballots and requires that each county’s elections officials send VBM ballots with pre-paid postage to all active registered voters for the general election. Additionally, every voter will have the option to either return their ballot through a secure dropbox or turn in their ballot at a polling location on election day. The administration is working with the Department of State to implement a new online voter registration system, where New Jersey residents will have the opportunity to register to vote. The online system will launch Sept. 4.
“COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives, from our health and safety to how we participate in our democracy,”stated Murphy.“This virus continues to threaten public health, and with today’s announcement, we are ensuring that New Jersey voters do not have to make a decision between exercising their right to vote and protecting their well-being.”
“Every voter deserves to participate in free, fair and safe elections,” stated Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “By sending every New Jersey voter their ballot in the mail, we are protecting the health of voters, elections workers, and our democracy.”
In order to address the influx of VBM ballots, the executive order will extend the deadline to allow ballots being returned through the United States Postal Service (USPS) with a postmark on or before Nov. 3 to be counted as a valid ballot by the county clerk, if received by 8 p.m. Nov. 10. Ballots without a postmark that are received by the county boards of elections within 48 hours of the closing of polls Nov. 3 shall be considered valid.
The executive order will also require a minimum of at least one polling place in each municipality and a minimum of 50% of polling places in each county to provide New Jersey voters with access to in-person voting opportunities, including accommodations for voters with disabilities.
All public schools will close for in-person instruction Nov. 3 to allow counties to use their buildings as polling locations, if necessary. Polling locations will be required to follow public health standards, including ensuring 6 feet of distance, requiring poll workers to wear face coverings and gloves, frequent sanitization of high-touch areas, and providing sanitization materials to all individuals at a polling place.
Copy of Executive Order No. 177
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