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Bill

A 4889

Requires outer envelope for mailing of voted mail-in ballot by voter to include postage prepaid.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires prepaid postage on the outer envelope of voted mail-in ballots, shifting mailing costs from voters to the state or election authorities.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4889

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4889 (Session 222)

Overview

  • Bill: A-4889
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title/Purpose (as stated): Requires outer envelope for mailing of voted mail-in ballot by voter to include postage prepaid.
  • Sponsors:
    • Co-sponsor: Linda Carter
    • Co-sponsor: Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

What the bill would do

  • The bill requires that when a voter mails a voted mail-in ballot, the outer envelope used for mailing the ballot must include postage prepaid.
  • This effectively shifts the cost burden for mailing voted mail-in ballots onto the government or election authority (as opposed to requiring the voter to affix postage).

Key provisions and changes

  • Outer envelope requirement: Mandates that the outer envelope used to mail a voted mail-in ballot has prepaid postage.
  • Scope: Applies specifically to mail-in ballots submitted by voters (not necessarily to ballots sent by other entities). The provision targets the outer envelope of the ballot return.
  • Implementation details: The bill text would specify how prepaid postage is to be provided (e.g., government-paid postage or postage-paid indicia) and any related administrative responsibilities for election officials to ensure compliance.
  • Consistency with current practice: Depending on existing NJ law, this could modify who bears postage costs or how ballots are returned; the bill reframes the outer envelope as prepaid.

Who would be affected

  • Voters: Individuals voting by mail-in ballot, who would no longer need to supply their own postage on the outer envelope.
  • Election authorities/Local boards of elections: Agencies responsible for implementing the prepaid postage provision, including budgeting for postage, processing, and ensuring envelopes meet the prepaid requirement.
  • Ballot processing workflows: Potential adjustments in reading, verification, and mailing-back processes to accommodate prepaid outer envelopes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill would become law following standard legislative approval by both houses (as applicable) and the governor’s signature. If enacted, jurisdictions would need to implement procurement or administrative steps to provide prepaid postage on outer envelopes for mail-in ballots.
  • The summary does not specify effective dates; typically, a bill may include an effective date or specify if provisions apply to elections occurring after a certain date or to ballots mailed after enactment.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Accessibility and convenience: Reduces or eliminates the need for voters to purchase postage, potentially facilitating easier mailing of mail-in ballots.
  • Cost implications: Shifts cost of postage for mailed ballots to the state or election authority; would necessitate budgeting adjustments.
  • Equity considerations: Aligns with measures intended to reduce barriers to voting by mail.
  • Administrative considerations: Requires clear guidance on how prepaid postage is provided (e.g., standard postage prepaid by the state, use of permit imprint), and may affect procurement, accounting, and audit processes.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to reflect the exact text of A-4889 (when available) or compare it to existing NJ election law provisions on mail-in ballots.

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

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