SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 593

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 23, 2026

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 593.

This bill directs the county clerk in each county to send an application for a mail-in ballot to each 17-year-old registered voter upon their 18th birthday. The bill requires the State to reimburse each county for any additional direct expenditures incurred upon mailing the mail-in ballot application.  The reimbursement will not exceed the cost of mailing a standard two ounce piece of first-class mail per mail-in ballot application.

     Under current law, a person who is at least 17 years of age and will be 18 on the date of the next general election is entitled to register to vote, provided they meet all other voter registration requirements.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.