By: BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI
Associated Press - March 29, 2010

TRENTON — A New Jersey lawmaker says giving Garden State voters the option of getting their sample election ballots through e-mail rather than regular mail could save the state money.

Citing the costs associated with printing and mailing the ballots and related election materials, state Sen. James Beach, D-Camden, has introduced legislation that would give voters the option to receive them electronically.

It will likely be considered by the senate's State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee, but a hearing date has not yet been scheduled.

State law now requires that sample ballots be printed and mailed to each eligible registered voter shortly before the annual general, primary and school elections. But Beach's measure would allow registered voters to request that those materials be sent via e-mail.

"There is no reason that something as basic as voter outreach cannot be transitioned to the Internet age," Beach said. "Improving turnout and participation can happen if we make it easier for voters to get the information they need prior to Election Day."

Under the proposal, the secretary of state and state election officials would develop procedures for informing voters about how they could receive the materials by e-mail. They also would work to maintain the confidentiality of voters' e-mail addresses and give them the option to switch back to receiving the materials by regular mail.

Officials say that if approved, the cost of implementing the proposal would likely be minimal, since many municipal and county clerks already make images of their sample ballots available on their respective Web sites. It would take effect immediately upon being signed into law, although it would not apply to any election held within 30 days of its effective date.

Shawn Crisafulli, a spokesman for the state Division of Elections, said it normally does not comment on proposed or pending legislation.

"We're always open to cost savings ideas, but we will wait and see what the bill looks like in its completed form," he said.