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Bill

RA

Bill

A 3025

Exempts poll workers wages from affecting unemployment compensation.*

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Reginald Atkins and 11 co-sponsors

New Jersey exempts poll worker wages from unemployment benefit income calculations to encourage election worker recruitment without reducing jobless aid eligibility.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
#elections #unemplcomp
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Bill Summary · A 3025

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3025 exempts wages earned by poll workers from being counted as income when determining unemployment compensation eligibility and benefit amounts in New Jersey. This means individuals who work as poll workers during elections can receive unemployment benefits without their poll worker earnings reducing those benefits or disqualifying them from assistance.

Why is this important

Poll worker recruitment has been a persistent challenge for election administration, as many people cannot afford to take time away from regular employment. This bill removes a financial disincentive by ensuring that temporary poll work doesn't jeopardize unemployment benefits for those between jobs or underemployed. The measure passed the Assembly with overwhelming support (70-7-1), suggesting broad bipartisan recognition that this could improve election worker recruitment and administration.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional boundaries: Unclear whether other temporary public service work (jury duty, military service, etc.) might warrant similar treatment, potentially opening the door to broader exemptions
  • Administrative burden: State unemployment agencies must track and exclude poll worker earnings from benefit calculations, requiring new systems and training
  • Fiscal impact: The bill could increase state unemployment insurance costs by making more people eligible or extending benefits, though the fiscal note impact remains unclear given poll workers' typical temporary status

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

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