The state's leaders made the decision to let people vote online "remotely" because of the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy last week, which literally destroyed homes with wind and massive flooding. Many residents are displaced and would otherwise not be able to vote in what many consider to be one of the most important national elections in US history. Also, the program will allow busy emergency workers to continue with disaster-relief work instead of spending hours standing in line waiting to cast their ballots.
Many US states already allow remote electronic voting for military members and US ex-pats living in other countries. But this is the first time regular civilian residents of New Jersey will be permitted to vote via email.
According to NJ Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno:
"This has been an extraordinary storm that has created unthinkable destruction across our state, and we know many people have questions about how and where to cast their vote in Tuesday's election... To help alleviate pressure on polling places, we encourage voters to either use electronic voting or the extended hours at county offices to cast their vote."
Learn some mo': New Jersey lets Sandy victims vote via e-mail
