Provides that qualified persons who are not registered to vote may register on a day of election at their polling places

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Carroll

A 2112 allows qualified but unregistered voters to register on election day at their polling place, enabling them to vote in the same election after verification.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW

Bill Summary: A 2112

Overview

A 2112 is an Assembly bill introduced on January 15, 2025, and currently referred to the Election Law committee. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember Robert C. Carroll. The bill would allow qualified persons who are not registered to vote to register on election day at their polling places.

Purpose and Intent

To expand voter access by permitting same-day voter registration at polling places for individuals who meet eligibility requirements but are not yet registered.

Aims to reduce barriers to participation and potentially increase voter turnout in elections.

Key Provisions (high-level)

Authorizes registration on the day of an election at a voter’s polling place.

Applies to individuals who are deemed “qualified” to vote (i.e., meet applicable eligibility criteria such as citizenship, age, residency). The bill text would define and apply these criteria as required by existing state election law.

Registration would occur at the polling place with processing by election officials. The specific information required for registration would follow the standards established by state law (e.g., name, address, date of birth, identification as required by law).

Upon completing same-day registration, individuals would be eligible to vote in that election, subject to the usual verification and eligibility checks applicable to Election Day registrations.

Who Is Affected

Unregistered individuals who meet eligibility requirements to vote.

Election administrators, poll workers, and local boards of elections responsible for processing same-day registrations and ensuring proper verification.

Voters who may benefit from streamlined access to participate on election day.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Referred to Election Law (introduced January 15, 2025).

Legislative history shows the same action recorded on the same date; there is no further action listed in the provided details.

No explicit effective date is included in the summary. If enacted, implementation would require regulatory guidance, training for election staff, and potential adjustments to on-site procedures at polling places.

Related Legislation

Senate counterparts and companion bills (e.g., S 5752 and S 2483, among others) indicate ongoing consideration in related sessions.

Related Assembly/Senate counterparts listed: S 5752 (companion) and several prior-session measures (e.g., S 609, S 1972, S 3235, S 2150, S 3088, A 8175).

Potential Impacts

Pros: Easier access to registration; potential increase in eligible voter participation; aligns with practices in other jurisdictions offering same-day registration.

Cons: Increased on-site administrative workload; potential for longer lines at polling places; heightened need for voter verification and fraud prevention measures; requires clear guidance to polling staff.

Next Steps

Await committee consideration and potential floor action in the Assembly.

If advanced, coordinate with the Senate counterpart (and Governor, if applicable) for final passage and enactment.