In a case with nationwide implications for the right to vote, Common Cause, on Jan. 19, 2016, filed a brief in support of a case asking a New Jersey Appeals court to order the state to begin allowing citizens to register to vote or update their registration on the same day they cast their ballots.
The non-partisan citizen advocacy organization argues in a “friend of the court” brief that a computerized statewide voter registration system now in place allows election officials to verify instantly the eligibility of new voters. That removes any legal justification for the current 21-day waiting period between the close of registration and the election, the brief contends.
The case, Rutgers University Student Assembly et al., v. Middlesex County Board of Elections et al. is pending in the Appellate division of the New Jersey Superior Court, the Garden State’s second highest tribunal.
The case is brought on behalf of individual Rutgers students and several statewide organizations.
“New Jersey has purchased and installed a 21st century registration and voting system, but the state’s leaders are running it on a 19th century mindset,” said Common Cause President Miles Rapoport. “Election Day registration is a common sense step to strengthen our democracy. Common Cause urges Gov. Christie and the legislature to set an example for the nation and implement it immediately. The state shouldn’t need a court order to force it to do the right thing.”
CLICK HERE to read the 29 page (PDF) Brief.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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