New Jersey Governor Extends Election-Related Deadlines
TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order Thursday night, extending the deadline by which counties must certify the results of the 2020 election.
The immediate effect of the order relates to two counties, Ocean and Salem, whose boards of elections have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Murphy’s action moves the deadline for them to certify the results of the election from today, Nov. 20 to Wednesday, Nov. 25.
However, the order also extends the time for all New Jersey counties to complete their statutorily-required election audits. Those audits, which were originally due Dec. 4, must now be completed by Friday, Dec. 11.
“Our democracy is stronger when every voice is heard,” Murphy said as he signed the executive order. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented difficulties for the civil servants charged with the extremely important task of certifying and auditing elections.
“This executive order will provide these dedicated officials with the time they need to properly conclude their work for this year’s general election,” he added.For a copy of Executive Order No. 198, click here.
