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Bill

S 4835

Allows voter to cure mail-in ballot due to certain envelope deficiencies or missing certificate, and to vote by provisional ballot following receipt of cure letter.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Sarlo

Bill S 4835 allows New Jersey voters to fix mail-in ballot errors and vote provisionally, ensuring more votes count and increasing participation in elections.

Reported out of Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · S 4835

Summary of Bill S 4835

Bill Number: S 4835
Title: Allows voter to cure mail-in ballot due to certain envelope deficiencies or missing certificate, and to vote by provisional ballot following receipt of cure letter.
Status: Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
Introduced: November 06, 2025
Sponsored by: Senator Paul A. Sarlo, District 36 (Bergen and Passaic)
Subject: Elections

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4835 aims to enhance the integrity and accessibility of the voting process in New Jersey by allowing voters to correct deficiencies in their mail-in ballots. The bill recognizes the importance of ensuring that every legitimate vote is counted while providing mechanisms to address common issues that may arise with mail-in voting.

Key Provisions

  1. Curing Mail-in Ballots:

    • Voters will be notified if their mail-in ballot is at risk of being disqualified due to deficiencies such as improper envelope usage or missing certificates.
    • Voters will have the opportunity to "cure" these deficiencies, ensuring their votes are counted.

  2. Provisional Ballots:

    • If a voter receives a cure letter, they can choose to vote by provisional ballot instead of curing their mail-in ballot.
    • Provisional ballots will be available for voters who may have registration issues or have not received their mail-in ballots.

  3. Provisional Ballot Process:

    • The bill outlines the preparation and distribution of provisional ballot packets, including necessary affirmation statements and instructions.
    • Voters will be required to provide personal information, including their name, registration status, and contact details, which will be used to communicate about their ballot status.

  4. Deadline for Identification:

    • Voters casting provisional ballots will have until the close of business on the second day after the election to provide any required identification.

  5. Transparency and Access:

    • The bill mandates that voters be informed about how to check the status of their provisional ballots and the reasons for any potential rejection.

Impact

  • Voters: The bill primarily affects voters who utilize mail-in ballots, particularly those who may face challenges with their ballot submissions. It aims to increase voter participation by reducing the likelihood of disenfranchisement due to minor errors.
  • Election Officials: County and municipal clerks will need to implement new procedures for handling provisional ballots and curing mail-in ballots, which may require additional training and resources.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on November 6, 2025, and has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further consideration. The timeline for further legislative action is not specified but will follow standard committee review processes.

Conclusion

Bill S 4835 represents a significant step towards improving the mail-in voting process in New Jersey by providing voters with the tools to ensure their ballots are counted. By addressing common ballot deficiencies and enhancing the provisional voting process, the bill seeks to uphold the integrity of elections while promoting greater voter participation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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