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Bill

A 1013

Directs Secretary of State to establish grant program for counties to improve paper ballot counting process; appropriates $10 million.

2026-2027 Regular Session

NJ authorizes $10M grant program for counties to upgrade paper ballot counting processes, administered by Secretary of State.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · A 1013

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1013 directs New Jersey's Secretary of State to establish a grant program providing funding to counties for upgrading their paper ballot counting processes. The bill appropriates $10 million to support these improvements, which would likely include equipment, technology, or procedural enhancements for more efficient or accurate ballot tabulation.

Why is this important

Election administration efficiency and accuracy directly affect public confidence in democratic processes and the timeliness of election results. Improved ballot counting infrastructure can reduce human error, speed up result certification, and ensure more accessible voting experiences, particularly in counties with outdated equipment or limited resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation: Questions about how the $10 million would be distributed among counties—whether based on population, current infrastructure needs, or other metrics—and whether the amount is sufficient for meaningful statewide improvements
  • Implementation standards: Unclear whether the bill establishes specific technical standards or security requirements that counties must meet to receive grants, or if that discretion rests entirely with the Secretary of State
  • Paper ballot prioritization: Some may debate whether prioritizing paper ballot systems reflects appropriate election security policy, while others may question if this diverts resources from digital modernization efforts

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

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