New jersey gov says you would be struck by lightning before finding voter fraud

New Jersey Gov Says You Would Be Struck by Lightning Before Finding Voter Fraud

Posted by
1 min read
January 2, 2026

Trenton, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy defended New Jersey’s decision not to adopt a voter ID law, saying the state’s election system is already secure and that instances of voter fraud are “significantly less likely” than being struck by lightning.

In remarks made during a social media Q&A segment, Murphy responded to a question asking why New Jersey does not require identification at the polls, despite voters needing ID to register. The governor said the state’s current safeguards are sufficient and that additional ID requirements would address a problem that data shows is virtually nonexistent.

“We don’t think we need it,” Murphy said. “There are some out there who believe the country or the state is rampant with voter fraud, and the chances are meaningfully higher that either you or I will be hit by lightning than that we’ll find voter fraud. It’s a solution in search of a problem that doesn’t exist.”

Murphy emphasized that New Jersey election officials actively monitor any irregularities and conduct thorough investigations when concerns arise. He said such reviews may involve the Secretary of State, local clerks, and, when necessary, the state Attorney General’s Office.

“Our system has proven to be about as airtight as any voting system can be,” Murphy added. “And God willing, it will continue to stay that way.”

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Facebook

Don't Miss