John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act signed into law
Landmark voting rights legislation—known as the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act—was signed into law late today. The legislation was sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.
Bill A1715 will strengthen voting rights protections in New Jersey by expanding access to the ballot, increasing protections against voter suppression and discrimination, improving language accessibility, and creating stronger oversight of election practices.
“It’s time for states to step up to protect voting rights. New Jersey has a clear mandate to not only protect but expand voting rights for Black voters and other voters of color who are disproportionately harmed by discriminatory practices and barriers to voting,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer). “Today, New Jersey joins the growing movement of state voting rights acts. We are now the 10th state to pass a state VRA and—because we’re New Jersey and we don’t play—ours is one of the strongest in the country. By passing our own voting rights, we are making sure that New Jersey voters—especially Black and other voters of color—are protected more by our state law than by federal law.”
The Assemblywoman made an impassioned speech on her bill before the General Assembly this week.
Named in honor of civil rights icon Congressman John R. Lewis, the legislation builds upon New Jersey’s longstanding efforts to expand access to the ballot while providing additional tools to protect voters from intimidation, discrimination, and unnecessary barriers to participation.
Among its provisions, the bill will expand language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency, strengthen protections against voter suppression and vote dilution, and create a centralized public database containing election information from across the state.
The bill will also establish guiding principles that ensure eligible residents can register without unnecessary barriers and that they do not face unlawful discrimination in voting. The bill will promote equitable access to the electoral process for racial, ethnic, and language-minority communities.
