Gov. Phil Murphy made it clear that New Jerseyans will vote in 2020.
“Just because we’re in a war against a virus – no time to panic, no time for business as usual – no time to shut democracy down,” Murphy said on a conference call with reporters. “We must continue to pursue the tenants of democracy, obviously the most sacred right associated with that is the right to vote. That’s a general promise we won’t waver from.”
Murphy announced on Thursday that he was moving March and April local elections to May 12, along with non-partisan municipal elections in balloting that will be conducted entirely by mail – a move that affects 729,683 votes, or about 11.9% of all New Jersey voters.
“The specific steps we took the over day give some indication of an acknowledgement of a very difficult fight that we’re in on the one hand and respecting democracy on the other hand,” Murphy said.
The governor has said that everything is on the table, including an all-VBM primary election in June.
“Moving elections give some sense of trying to get that balance right,” Murphy explained. “Democracy is essential. We must preserve the right to vote.”
Matt Platkin, chief counsel to the governor, said that he is reviewing state laws to see if the terms of any local officials, including elected school board members, can be extended.
Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) is leading an effort in Washington to require all general election ballots be cast by mail.