WeVote
Log In

Bill

TM

Bill

A 5473

Permits counting of mail-in ballots that are mailed, delivered, or deposited prior to death of voter; repeals laws requiring rejection of such ballots.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tennille McCoy

New Jersey bill permits counting mail-in ballots mailed before voter death, repealing automatic rejection requirements for such ballots.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
#elections
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5473

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 5473 would permit election officials to count mail-in ballots that were sent, delivered, or deposited before a voter's death, rather than automatically rejecting them. The bill repeals existing New Jersey laws that currently mandate the rejection of any mail-in ballots cast by voters who died before Election Day, regardless of when the ballot was submitted.

Why is this important

This addresses a practical gap in election administration: a ballot prepared and mailed days or weeks before a voter's unexpected death would currently be discarded even though the voter was alive and eligible when they cast it. The change could affect a small but meaningful number of ballots in any given election, particularly in areas with higher mortality rates or longer mail delivery times.

Potential points of contention

  • Intent versus procedure: Opponents may argue that counting ballots from deceased voters—even if mailed before death—violates the principle that only living, qualified voters should determine elections, regardless of technical eligibility at time of casting
  • Election integrity concerns: Some may contend that allowing post-death ballot counting creates administrative complexity and potential for fraud or disputes about when ballots were actually mailed versus when death occurred
  • Partisan implications: The change could theoretically benefit one party over another depending on voting patterns among deceased voters and their likely preferences, making it a politically sensitive issue despite its administrative framing

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

Sign in to ask a question.