TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Nick Scutari and Senator James Beach that would help ensure mail-in ballots are counted by educating voters about postal service postmark procedures and ballot return options was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

The bill, S-3815, would require the Secretary of State to inform voters about federal postal service rules governing postmarks, including the possibility that a mail-in ballot could receive a postmark date later than the date it was provided to the Postal Service. The campaign would also educate voters on steps they can take to ensure their ballots are counted, including requesting a free manual postmark at a post office retail location or utilizing one of New Jersey’s secure ballot drop boxes.

“New Jersey has made significant investments to expand access to voting, and it is essential that voters have clear, accurate information about every available option for returning their ballots,” said Senate President Scutari (D-Union). “This legislation will help ensure voters understand how postal procedures may affect mail-in ballots and provide guidance on steps they can take to make certain their voices are heard.”

Under current law, mail-in ballots bearing a postmark dated on or before Election Day and received by county election officials within six days following the election are considered valid. In December 2025, the United States Postal Service finalized a rule defining postmarks and clarifying the circumstances under which they are applied. While the rule does not change existing postal operations, it recognizes that a postmark date may, in some instances, differ from the date a voter deposits mail with the Postal Service.

“Casting a ballot should be straightforward and accessible for every eligible voter,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “By providing voters with important information about postmark procedures and highlighting convenient alternatives such as ballot drop boxes, we can help prevent confusion and strengthen confidence in the voting process.”

In addition to establishing the public awareness campaign, the bill would direct the Secretary of State, in collaboration with county election officials, to evaluate the placement and usage of ballot drop boxes throughout New Jersey and issue recommendations regarding potential improvements.

New Jersey currently has 453 ballot drop boxes statewide. According to compiled census and election data, approximately 4.7 million residents live within one mile of a ballot drop box, and 46 percent of voters who return mail-in ballots utilize a drop box. The review required by the legislation would help ensure the State’s drop box network continues to provide convenient and equitable access for voters in every county.

The bill appropriates $100,000 to support the public awareness campaign and related initiatives.