Murphy signs bill extending early in-person voting for primaries

Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday signed a bill extending in-person early voting for New Jersey primary elections. 

Garden State voters will now have six days of in-person early voting—before the bill’s passage, early voting in primaries lasted three days in non-presidential years and five days in presidential years. The law, which takes effect for this year’s gubernatorial primary, allocates $6 million to enact the changes.

“I am proud to sign legislation to make democracy more accessible here in New Jersey,” Murphy said in a release. “Millions of voters in New Jersey have taken advantage of in-person early voting since its establishment just four years ago. This bill will give voters ample time to go to the polls to ensure their voices are heard by Election Day.”

Early voting exploded last year: 1,172,842 New Jerseyans cast their ballot over nine days of in-person early voting in the general election. In 2023, about 214,000 New Jerseyans voted early during legislative elections.

Supporters of early voting say the policy allows people with irregular or busy schedules more time to head to the voting booth.

“With the signing of this legislation, we are taking a significant step toward making our elections more accessible and efficient for all voters,” said Union City Mayor/State Sen. Brian Stack, an early voting proponent who spearheaded the legislation in the Senate. “Extending the early voting period ensures that more people have the time and opportunity to participate in our democratic process without facing long lines or scheduling conflicts.”

Another election-related bill awaits action from Murphy: If signed, the bill would mandate office-block ballots in primary elections, officially eliminating the county line.