New Jersey judges are increasingly siding with a voter’s word over technology in court hearings on disenfranchisement issues.
Superior Court Judge Kathleen Sheedy today authorized a woman who moved from Hudson County to Monmouth in June to vote in this year’s general election, saying she found her representation that she had made several good faith efforts to change her registration in advance of the October 14 deadline.
“I do believe she tried to re-register,” Sheedy said. “She is eligible to vote.”
The woman testified that she called the Board of Elections, which referred her to a website.
“I attempted to do this online,” she said. “I changed the address. I thought it went through.”
After her husband received his sample ballot and she did not, the woman was able to register again – this time one day after the deadline.
Deputy Attorney General Brian Ragunan told Sheedy that the statute was clear and the woman should not be permitted to vote.
The New Jersey Globe withholds the names of voters who appear before judges to protect their privacy.
Voters who feel they are being wrongfully disenfranchised have the right to make their case to a judge. This can be done remotely and arranged through the county Board of Elections.
Three other voters who have appeared before judges since Saturday have also avoided being disenfranchised.
