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Bill

Bill

S 1116

Exempts poll workers wages from affecting unemployment compensation.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 5 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill exempts poll worker earnings from reducing unemployment benefits to incentivize election staffing while supporting economically vulnerable workers.

Substituted by A1516 (1R)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1116

Legislative bill overview

S 1116 creates an exemption so that wages earned by poll workers do not count against an individual's unemployment compensation benefits. Currently, earnings from any work—including poll work—reduce the amount of unemployment benefits a person can receive. This bill would allow unemployed individuals to work as poll workers without losing unemployment benefits.

Why is this important

Poll worker shortages have become a significant issue in many states, making it harder to staff elections. By decoupling poll worker income from unemployment benefit calculations, the bill aims to make poll work more financially attractive to unemployed workers, potentially addressing staffing gaps while supporting election administration. This could particularly help individuals in economic hardship who need both the unemployment safety net and supplemental income.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Allowing unemployment recipients to earn poll worker wages without benefit reduction increases state unemployment insurance payouts, raising costs for the program funded by employer contributions and general revenue
  • Work incentive philosophy: Opponents may argue that unemployment benefits are designed to transition people to regular employment, not to subsidize part-time election work that could delay job-seeking
  • Scope and fairness: Questions about why poll work specifically deserves exemption compared to other temporary or gig work that unemployed people might perform, and whether similar exemptions should apply to other civic activities

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

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