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A 4813

Changes requirements for persons providing assistance to voters completing mail-in ballots.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia

NJ A-4813 changes who may assist voters completing mail-in ballots, outlining eligible helpers, permissible aid, privacy protections, and required documentation.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4813

Bill Summary: A 4813 (New Jersey, 2026) – Changes Requirements for Persons Providing Assistance to Voters Completing Mail-In Ballots

Basic information

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Session: 222
  • Bill title: Changes requirements for persons providing assistance to voters completing mail-in ballots
  • Introduced: May 4, 2026
  • Committee referral: Assembly State and Local Government Committee
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsor Dawn Fantasia

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to modify the rules governing who may provide assistance to voters when they complete mail-in ballots, and under what conditions such assistance may be offered. The aim appears to be to clarify or tighten the qualifications, responsibilities, and procedures for individuals who aid voters in the mail-in ballot process, with a focus on ensuring accuracy, tamper-resistance, and compliance with relevant election laws.

Key provisions (high-level overview)

Note: Summary based on the bill’s title and standard statutory drafting practices. For precise text, refer to official bill language.

  • Eligibility of assistance providers: The bill likely establishes or revises criteria for individuals authorized to assist voters completing mail-in ballots. This could include:
    • Restrictions on who may provide assistance (e.g., family members, designated volunteers, or election officials).
    • Requirements for training or certification for assistants.
  • Scope of permissible assistance: The provisions probably define what kinds of help an assistant may provide, such as:
    • Reading or translating ballot questions.
    • Marking the ballot in accordance with the voter's instructions.
    • Handling the physical ballot or associated materials.
  • Prohibited conduct: The bill may specify activities that are not allowed for an assistant, including:
    • Steering or influencing a voter's choices.
    • Coaching a voter to vote a particular way.
    • Interfering with the voter's exercise of free choice.
  • Voter independence protections: Provisions may emphasize preserving the voter's ability to complete the ballot privately and independently, including:
    • Procedures to ensure the voter remains the person making final selections.
    • Mechanisms to document that assistance was provided without altering the voter's intent.
  • Documentation and recordkeeping: The bill could require:
    • Recording who provided assistance, the nature of the assistance, and when it occurred.
    • Signatures or attestations from the voter and the assistant confirming the accuracy of the ballot as completed.
  • Training and certification (if included): If the bill mandates training, it might outline:
    • Training content related to accessibility, privacy, and election law.
    • Certification processes and renewal requirements.
  • Penalties and enforcement: The bill may specify consequences for violations, ranging from civil penalties to criminal penalties, and outline enforcement mechanisms.
  • Interaction with election officials: Clarifications about the role of election officials in supervising or auditing assisted mail-in ballots.

Who would be affected

  • Voters using mail-in ballots: Individuals who require or seek assistance would be directly impacted by who can assist and how assistance is provided.
  • Approved assistance providers: People authorized to help voters (as defined by the bill) would be subject to training, documentation, and oversight requirements.
  • Election offices and staff: Local boards of elections or county clerks would implement and enforce the new rules, maintain records, and monitor compliance.
  • Campaigns and observers: Depending on the final language, parties or observers may be affected through increased transparency and potential reporting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative action: The bill has been introduced and referred to the Assembly State and Local Government Committee. No further actions are listed here; future steps would typically include committee hearings, possible amendments, floor votes in the Assembly, and then consideration by the Senate (and eventual signing into law by the governor or veto).
  • Effective date: If enacted, the bill would specify an effective date (often upon enactment or a future phased-in date). The exact date should be in the final enacted text.
  • Transitional provisions: The bill may include transitional language to align current practices with new requirements.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Voter privacy and autonomy: By delineating who may assist and how, the bill aims to safeguard a voter’s privacy and independence in completing their ballot.
  • Integrity and fraud prevention: Clear guidelines and documentation could help deter improper influence and improve auditability of the mail-in voting process.
  • Accessibility: Training and defined assistance procedures may improve access for voters who need help, including those with disabilities or language barriers, while preventing undue influence.
  • Administrative burden: New requirements for training, recordkeeping, and oversight could increase workloads for local election officials.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact text of A-4813 and provide a line-by-line analysis of each provision, including any proposed amendments and the precise penalties and timelines.

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

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