NEW YORK, NY July 08, 2005 —A series of bills that will alter how and when New Jersey voters cast their ballots has been signed by Acting Governor Richard Codey.

The biggest change won't occur until 2008. That's when New Jersey's presidential primary will be bumped up from June to February. The Garden State is just the latest to move its primary to get a greater say in who the parties nominate.

Measures that will go into effect sooner include a requirement that every vote cast have a verifiable paper trail.

Voter registration will be allowed up until three weeks before an election and officials will no longer ask voters WHY they need an absentee ballot. No excuses will be necessary.