New Law Causes Confusion At Cherry Hill Poll Location

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A recently passed law concerning vote-by-mail ballots tripped up some voters in Cherry Hill Tuesday morning.

The law, passed in August, mandates that all voters who voted by mail in the 2016 General Election be sent a mail-in ballot for the 2018 General Election, even if they did not request one. Read more here: Manasquan Residents: New Vote-By-Mail Law

But some voters who went to vote St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill on Election Day were apparently unaware of the new law, according to a report by Channel 6 Action News. Although they were automatically enrolled to vote by mail, some showed up to cast ballots in person.

Cherry Hill Municipal Clerk Nancy Saffos was unaware of the situation, but told Patch that anyone who shows up at the polls and is unable to vote will receive a provisional ballot, which was reportedly the case in this situation.

“Those ballots will count, as long as they didn’t also vote by mail,” Saffos said.

Camden County Superintedent of Elections Phyllis Pearl said all poll workers are taught that all voters have a right to a provisional ballot. Part of the verification process is to ensure that no one voted by mail and filled out a provisional ballot.

At least one voter was concerned about the security of the provisional ballots, though.

"When I filled out my ballot and put it in the envelope I was told, 'they don’t seal because they are old,'" one reader told Patch via email. "Then I asked where I deposit the envelope and was told 'just give it to me.' This is the perfect set up for election fraud. The ballot has absolutely no security and raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the election. This ridiculous law should be eliminated, and if not, absolute security of the ballot should be assured."

According to Pearl, a member from the Board of Elections is handling provisional ballots at all times. After polls close, the provisional ballots are secured in a bag, tied with a tight plastic label that needs to be cut with scissors or a knife.

The bags are taken to one of seven secure zones, where members of the Board of Elections and the Superintendent's Office are present. They are then locked away overnight before the verification and certification process, which takes several days, begins.

The process will be lengthy, particularly with the high turnout Camden County has seen for a mid-term election year.

Saffos said anyone on the list to receive a vote-by-mail ballot should have received one already, and said it is very clear that it is a ballot. Anyone who doesn’t want to vote by mail can pick up a form at their polling location to opt out. They can also notify the county clerk in writing.

See related: REAL-TIME RESULTS: NJ’s 1st District Rep., Norcross vs. Dilks

Were you among those who had this or any other problems at the polls this morning? Let me know by emailing Anthony.Bellano@patch.com.

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