LD26 Assembly Candidate Christine Clarke Applauds Revision of Vote By Mail Rules

Jefferson Twp., NJ:   26th Legislative District State Assembly candidate Christine Clarke applauds the recent passage of S4069, a bill requiring those who signed up to vote by mail in 2016, 2017 or 2018 to receive vote by mail ballots in 2019 unless they opt out in writing to their county clerks, and appropriating $2 million in support of mailing paper ballots.

“The right to participate in our democracy is an inalienable and constitutional right. A streamlined efficient voting process to increase civic engagement should be a goal of any democracy.  If I were already a member of the New Jersey Assembly, I would have voted in favor of the vote-by-mail legislation that passed this week,” said Clarke.

The Center for American Progress had ranked New Jersey’s election systems among the least secure in the nation in 2018, and while steps are being taken to make improvements, the Brennan Center for Justice notes New Jersey is one of a handful of states that still relies primarily on paperless voting machines that don’t enable post-election audits.

“Voting by paper ballot is safe, secure and provides a traceable record of voters’ choices,” said Clarke.  “Whether people choose to vote by paper ballot at a county clerk’s office or vote by paper ballot through the mail, this method of voting gives voters the reassurance their choices are recorded and can be double-checked if necessary.  Unfortunately, my current representatives did not vote in the affirmative to expand access to vote-by-mail ballots.”

“People working long hours or subject to long commutes, busy parents and people who have travel requirements don’t always have the time to make it to the polls on Election Day. Those voters still deserve the right to cast a ballot safely and securely, and participate in our democracy like any other citizen,” said Clarke.

She encourages anyone who wishes to vote by mail in the 2019 elections to apply through the New Jersey Division of Elections website.  All 80 seats in the State Assembly are up this year.  Election Day is November 5, 2019. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Clarke is an environmental advocate, a grassroots organizer and mother-of-four running for State Assembly in the 26th District to advance clean energy jobs, protect clean air and water, improve healthcare, and legislate with empathy and fiscal responsibility.  She is endorsed by a number of environmental, civic, union and grassroots organizations. She has lived in Jefferson for 15 years with her husband and four children.  You can learn more about her at www.clarkeforassembly.com.

Clarke’s running mate for State Assembly in the 26th District is Laura Fortgang.

The 26th District includes 13 communities in Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties: Butler, Fairfield, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Morris Plains, North Caldwell, Parsippany, Rockaway Township, Verona, West Caldwell, and West Milford.

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