NJ Gov. Murphy Signs Automatic Voter Registration Bill Into Law

NEW JERSEY — Registering to vote just got easier in New Jersey, after Gov. Phil Murphy signed an automatic voter registration bill into law Tuesday afternoon.

The legislation (A2014) requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to automatically register any eligible person to vote when they apply for a permit, license, or non-driver ID card. It gives other state agencies the option to participate in the program as well, although they will not be required.

“Today, New Jersey proudly joins a select group of states – 11 plus the District of Columbia – that have enacted automatic voter registration to expand and protect the voting rights of their citizens,”said Governor Murphy. “This stands in stark contrast to those whose only interest lays in restricting voting rights and suppressing voters’ voices. In New Jersey, we recognize our democracy is stronger when more people are given the opportunity to participate and when the residents of our state are empowered to be part of the democratic process.”

New Jersey previously had a law which allowed anyone registering for a license to register to vote by just checking a box. This law removes that step, and makes the process automatic. Those who do not want to register to vote can opt-out, and those who are not eligible will not be registered.

Officials touted the new law as making it easier for seniors, students, and those with disabilities to register to vote and keep their registration information active. Whenever information is changed at a state agency (say, if you visit the MVC to change the address on your license), that information will automatically go to update your voter registration.

The head of the MVC praised the law, saying she looked forward to implementing it.

“Democracy works better when more people vote,” said Acting MVC Chair and Chief Administrator Sue Fulton. “We are proud to serve the people of New Jersey every day, and we are proud to join the ranks of other states that offer automatic voter registration to their residents. We look forward to working with Governor Murphy to ensure that all eligible New Jerseyans have access to the polls.”

The automatic registration effort will use the technology already in place from the previous opt-in program. All required information will be electronically submitted to the Secretary of State

“By using existing technology to advance our voter registration efforts, the State is demonstrating its commitment to increasing civic participation within our current infrastructure, without sacrificing voter integrity or security. As the State's chief election official, I'm working across levels of government to ensure that all eligible voters can cast a safe and secure ballot at election time," Secretary of State Tahesha Way said.

The law was not without its detractors, with some Republicans saying it would cost too much and overstep the government's boundaries.

“Billion dollar Phil Murphy is now going to spend millions of taxpayer money registering people to vote who have not asked to register,” Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-21) said. “They also want to give licenses to everyone whether they are here legally or illegally. That means someone who is here illegally will be automatically registered to vote and will have to opt out. This is what happens when you have a tax and spend governor – you look for another reason to spend money. I think it’s a mistake.”

Up to 600,000 new voters could be added to voter rolls as a result of the law, a study by the Center for American progress found.

New Jersey is the twelfth state in the nation to enact automatic voter laws, and the fourth to include state agencies beyond motor vehicle departments. Oregon was the first to implement a similar law.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images