State Sen. Michael Testa Jr. (R-Vineland) is calling for the Legislature to immediately reconvene after Gov. Mikie Sherrill publicly endorsed voter identification requirements for New Jersey elections.
The renewed push for voter ID follows Sherrill’s disclosure that the Motor Vehicle Commission improperly registered approximately 6,600 noncitizens to vote and that about 400 of them cast ballots.
Testa wants lawmakers to return to Trenton during their summer recess to pass S-68, a bill sponsored by State Sen. James Holzapfel (R-Toms River) and co-sponsored by Testa.
Sherrill revealed her support for voter identification Wednesday during an appearance on News 12 New Jersey’s “Ask Governor Sherrill.”
“It is beyond time that we implement common-sense safeguards for our elections,” Testa said. “Governor Sherrill publicly stated that she supports voter ID requirements. If that’s the case, there is no reason to wait until the fall to get this done.”
Assemblyman Greg McGuckin (R-Toms River) joined Testa’s push, calling on legislative leaders to advance his voter identification bill before the November general election. McGuckin has introduced the measure, A-668, in every legislative session since 2020.
“The governor’s support of a voter ID law in New Jersey is the first bit of common sense coming from this administration since they revealed that noncitizens were registered to vote in New Jersey and even participated in our elections,” McGuckin said. “Now, the Democrat leaders in Trenton need to join the governor and the majority of Americans who strongly support voter ID.”
S-68 would require voters to present a valid identification document bearing their name, photograph and signature before receiving a ballot at any polling place. Election workers would inspect the identification in full view of authorized challengers.
Acceptable identification would include, but would not be limited to, a New Jersey driver’s license, a New Jersey REAL ID card or license, an identification-only card issued by the MVC or a United States passport.
A voter who does not present identification could be challenged. A challenge could also be made if election workers determine that the photograph or signature on the identification does not appear to match the voter.
The legislation would not eliminate or change a challenged voter’s existing opportunity to establish that they are qualified and entitled to vote. Local election boards would continue to determine whether a challenged voter should receive a ballot after considering the available evidence. The legislation would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Testa said Republicans are prepared to support the measure and challenged Democratic legislative leaders to bring it up for a vote.
“The Legislature should immediately reconvene and send this bill to her desk,” Testa said. “Republicans are ready to put this to a vote. The governor has indicated her support. The only question is whether Trenton Democrats are willing to act.”
Democratic legislative leaders have not indicated whether they will schedule S-68 for consideration or pursue a separate voter identification measure.
Testa is a possible candidate for the Republican nomination for governor in 2029.