TRENTON, NJ – Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia of District 24 (Morris, Sussex, and Warren) has introduced Bill A4248, aimed at implementing stricter voter identification requirements in New Jersey.
Introduced on May 2, 2024, the bill mandates that voters present specific documentation as proof of identity to vote, starting with the first election held after January 1, 2025. This documentation includes a New Jersey driver’s license, nondriver’s identification card, or other government-issued document containing the voter’s name, photograph, non-expired status, and issuance by either the federal government or the state. First-time voters must provide this documentation in addition to any federally acceptable identity verification required by the “Help America Vote Act of 2002.”
The legislation exempts voters eligible to vote by mail under federal laws and those with religious objections to being photographed, provided they submit a sworn affidavit. In cases where voters fail to display acceptable documentation, they will be provided a provisional ballot, which must be supplemented with the required documentation by the second day after the election for it to be officially counted.
Furthermore, to ensure access for all voters, the Motor Vehicle Commission would issue a nondriver identification card at no cost to those unable to afford a government-issued document with a photograph, upon execution of an affidavit of indigence.
The bill also updates procedures for challenging voters regarding proof of identity to align with the new voter verification requirements.
