NEW JERSEY – The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Smith and Senate President Nick Scutari that would permit county boards of elections to extend the distance within which electioneering is permitted to 200 feet, whereas current state law only prohibits electioneering within 100 feet.
“Electioneering exposes voters to potential intimidation and attempts to influence their vote at their polling places,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset). “Polling places should be kept a neutral environment where voters can express their preferences without fear, intimidation, or exposure to last minute campaigning.”
The bill, S-3850, would provide a county board of elections the discretion to extend the distance prohibiting electioneering from 100 feet to within 200 feet of the entrance to any polling place or a ballot drop box in use during the conduct of an election.
“Polling places must be a neutral, safe environment free of intimidation and attempts to sway voters,” said Senate President Scutari (D-Union/Somerset). “Prohibiting electioneering creates a less distracting, safer, and neutral environment for voters, thus protecting both the security of our elections and voters themselves.”
The bill would additionally provide that, if a county board of elections decides to extend the prohibition, they must place clear and conspicuous notice outside the polling place or ballot drop box, including the penalties for violations. Currently, electioneering is either a crime of the third degree or a disorderly persons offense.
The Senate passed the bill in a 31-8 vote.
