New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed a bill expanding early voting access for municipal elections in May. The legislation, signed on Monday (April 6), allows municipalities to start early voting eight days before Election Day, extending the previous period by four days. This change aims to enhance voter accessibility and ensure the integrity of elections, according to Sherrill.

Previously, municipalities could hold early voting for only three days, starting four days before the election. The new law enables up to seven days of early voting. As reported by the New Jersey Globe, Sherrill emphasized the importance of making elections more accessible, especially in light of attempts to undermine voting rights.

State Senator Brian Stack, a strong advocate for early voting, praised the legislation, noting its potential to increase voter participation. Stack, who is up for re-election in May, stated, "This bill offers additional days to vote, and I’m hopeful that even more residents will participate in our sacred election process."

The state Senate approved the bill with a 29-9 vote, and the Assembly passed it 66-8. Major cities like Newark, Irvington, Bayonne, and Union City, which hold municipal elections in May, will benefit from this expansion. Hudson County View reported that the bill was backed by Hudson County legislators, with Assemblymen Larry Wainstein and Gabriel Rodriguez among its sponsors.

The legislation is seen as a response to concerns about voting accessibility and integrity. Assemblyman Wainstein remarked, "Early voting isn’t a privilege, it’s a necessity." He thanked Sherrill for prioritizing the interests of New Jersey residents.

The bill's signing comes amid criticism of President Donald Trump's executive order on mail-in ballots, which Sherrill described as unconstitutional. The new early voting law will take effect for the upcoming May elections, providing more opportunities for New Jerseyans to cast their votes.

Theresa Lucas