New Jersey lawmakers approve bills expanding voting rights as GOP-led states move to restrict access

Lawmakers in New Jersey have sent the state's Democratic governor two election bills that together would expand voting rights for residents in the state, as GOP-led states move to restrict access to the ballot box elsewhere.

The first bill, given final passage from the state Senate on Thursday in a 28-8 vote, would allow residents to vote 10 days before a general election at specially designated polling sites, according to a release from the New Jersey Senate Democrats. The bill only applies to a June primary or a November general election, according to the lawmakers, but municipalities could adopt an early voting period by ordinance for other elections. The senators also clarified that those who participate in early voting would not be allowed to vote by mail or in person. A spokesperson for Gov. Phil Murphy said that the governor intends to sign the early voting bill on Tuesday.