Assemblyman Mike Inganamort delivered the keynote address at the New Jersey Association of Election Officials’ annual meeting last week, praising county election administrators for their role in maintaining the integrity of the state’s elections.
Inganamort thanked election officials for their work managing the logistics of elections across New Jersey and ensuring voting operations run smoothly.
“You open polling places before sunrise, train poll workers, test voting machines, verify petitions, tally ballots and certify results,” said Inganamort (R-Morris). “New Jersey’s elections work because you make them work.”
Beth Thompson, president of the New Jersey Association of Election Officials, said Inganamort’s remarks highlighted the important role local administrators play in the democratic process.
“Assemblyman Inganamort built meaningful bipartisan support among election officials as he recognized the vital role New Jersey plays as a national model for democracy and acknowledged the unique challenges we face with shifting legislation,” Thompson said.
During his remarks, Inganamort also raised concerns about proposed legislation that he said could expand judicial authority over elections and expose county election boards to increased legal challenges.
According to Inganamort, the measure would allow judges to overturn election results, redraw districts, adjust election dates, change terms of office and potentially impose ranked-choice voting.
“Most concerning is that the bill turns the Office of the Attorney General from an advocate for county boards of elections into an adversary,” Inganamort said. “County boards could face litigation over factors they don’t even track.”
He also questioned claims that voter registration barriers and widespread voter intimidation exist in the state.
“We should protect what works, improve what needs improvement and never undermine the professionals who make our elections possible,” he added.
Inganamort also referenced his role on the Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design, which reviewed and reformed New Jersey’s primary ballot structure last year.
“Ballot design matters,” he said. “It affects voter comprehension, participation and trust, and reforms must be workable for the administrators who implement them.”
