New Jersey would require voters to show photo ID at polls

Voters at polling places would have to show an unexpired photo ID issued by the federal government or New Jersey. The rule applies to voters at polling places, regardless of when or how they registered. A single document may satisfy both this rule and the existing ID rule for some first-time voters who registered by mail. Voters entitled under federal law to vote other than in person are exempt. The requirement would apply starting with the first election held after January 1, 2027.

Election workers and authorized challengers could inspect ID and ask questions about a voter's right to vote; a voter denied a regular ballot over ID would receive a provisional ballot. These procedures apply to voters challenged at polling places by election board members or authorized challengers. A voter whose ID is challenged may ask a Superior Court judge for permission to vote. To have a provisional ballot counted after failing to provide required ID, the voter must provide the ID to the county commissioner of registration by close of business on the second day after the election. The ID requirement would apply starting with the first election held after January 1, 2027. The deadline for providing ID is close of business on the second day after the election.

The Motor Vehicle Commission would not charge certain voters identification card fees. This applies to voters who qualify for SNAP benefits and need an identification card to vote. The voter must qualify for SNAP benefits, need the card to prove identity for voting, and submit an affidavit of indigence. The fee waiver covers the listed identification card fees. The fee waiver would begin with the first election held after January 1, 2027.