Assemblyman Mike Inganamort delivered the keynote address at the New Jersey Association of Election Officials’ annual meeting last week, thanking county election administrators for their work in maintaining the integrity of state elections, according to a Mar. 13 statement.
The topic is important as New Jersey’s election processes face potential legislative changes that could affect how elections are run and overseen. Inganamort highlighted both the dedication of local officials and concerns about new proposals that may impact their roles.
Beth Thompson, president of the association, said, “Assemblyman Inganamort built meaningful bipartisan support among election officials as he recognized the vital role New Jersey plays as a national model for democracy and acknowledged the unique challenges we face with shifting legislation.”
In his remarks, Inganamort praised officials for their efforts: “You open polling places before sunrise, train poll workers, test voting machines, verify petitions, tally ballots and certify results. New Jersey’s elections work because you make them work.” He also warned that proposed legislation could expand judicial power over elections and expose county boards to lawsuits. The measure would allow judges to overturn elections, redraw districts, change dates or terms of office, and impose ranked-choice voting. “Most concerning is that the bill turns the Office of the Attorney General from an advocate for county boards of elections into an adversary,” Inganamort said. “County boards could face litigation over factors they don’t even track.”
He questioned claims that voter registration is difficult or that there is widespread intimidation at polls. “We should protect what works, improve what needs improvement and never undermine the professionals who make our elections possible,” he added.
Inganamort also discussed his service on the Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design and its recent reforms to primary ballot structure. “Ballot design matters,” he said. “It affects voter comprehension, participation and trust, and reforms must be workable for the administrators who implement them.”
John DiMaio has been involved with public service in various capacities including serving on the Warren County Board of Freeholders from 2000 to 2009 according to the official legislative roster. DiMaio represents District 23 which includes Hackettstown according to official records. He has held positions such as Appropriations Officer from 2012 to 2017 and Budget Officer from 2018 to 2019 in the General Assembly as per official sources. DiMaio has worked as a legislator as noted in legislative documents since joining in 2009 and became Minority Leader starting in 2022 according to official records. He was also mayor of Hackettstown from 1991 to 1999 according to legislative information.
Looking ahead, discussions about election law changes are expected to continue as lawmakers consider impacts on both voters and those administering elections.
