Gov. Sherrill signs law expanding early voting for May municipal elections in New Jersey
NEW JERSEY — Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Monday signed legislation allowing municipalities to expand early voting for regular nonpartisan municipal elections held in May, a move aimed at increasing voter access.
The new law permits municipalities to begin early voting eight days before Election Day, extending the early voting period by four additional days. Early voting will still end two days before the election, giving voters a total of seven days to cast ballots ahead of Election Day.
“As President Trump attempts to undermine elections and make voting harder through his unconstitutional Executive Order, we will take every step to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure they are more accessible for New Jerseyans,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “This bill will allow municipalities to expand early voting and ensure the people of our state have their voices heard at the local level, where these decisions will shape our neighborhoods, our schools, and our daily lives.”
The legislation, A4745/S420, applies to municipalities that hold nonpartisan elections in May and is intended to bring their early voting timelines closer in line with those used in state and federal elections.
“I’d like to thank Governor Sherrill for signing this important legislation, as I strongly believe in enhancing voter accessibility,” said Sen. Brian Stack. “As many residents know, I often communicate about the importance of making it to the polls. This bill offers additional days to vote and I’m hopeful that even more residents will participate in our sacred election process.”
Assemblyman Larry Wainstein said the expanded timeline reflects the realities of modern work schedules.
“Early voting isn’t a privilege, it’s a necessity,” said Assemblyman Larry Wainstein. “Not everyone works a traditional 9 to 5, Monday through Friday work week. By increasing the number of days for early voting, we are allowing more people the opportunity to participate in our electoral process. I want to thank Governor Sherrill for signing this important bill into law. It is another shining example of how she always puts the best interests of the people first.”
State officials said the change will give voters more flexibility in nonpartisan municipal elections while maintaining existing safeguards and timelines.
The action follows a recent executive order from the Trump administration related to mail-in ballots, which state officials criticized as unconstitutional and said could impact voter access nationwide.
