Ahead of the upcoming New Jersey governor's race, Make the Road New Jersey has teamed up with a coalition of faith, labor, and community leaders to launch the Million Voters Project. This initiative aims to be the largest voter engagement effort in state history.
The non-partisan project will focus on engaging at least one million working-class voters using deep canvassing techniques. It targets Latino, AAPI, Black, and youth voters to amplify the political power of these often underrepresented groups.
"The Million Voters Project was formed to fight the cynicism and disengagement that characterizes how many working class families, people of color and young people view the political process," stated Nedia Morsy, Deputy Director of Make the Road New Jersey. The initiative is especially significant due to recent ballot reforms abolishing the county line system. "As New Jersey voters prepare to choose our next governor, the Million Voters Project will help us build long-term relationships with previously marginalized groups through the largest effort to engage voters in state history," Morsy added.
New Jersey is noted for its diversity but remains politically dominated by white men. The Million Voters Project seeks to change this by focusing on demographic groups often excluded from politics. It also aims to leverage democratic reforms ensuring fair ballots as mandated by federal courts.
In collaboration with various community partners, the project will use evidence-based deep canvassing techniques to foster long-term voter relationships across key communities such as Newark, Hackensack, Fort Lee, Elizabeth, Passaic, Paterson, Edison, Perth Amboy, Atlantic City, and Camden.
Recent findings indicate growing disillusionment among working-class voters and people of color regarding democratic institutions' ability to improve their lives. The project's approach will gather insights into these populations' priorities and share them with candidates during campaigns.
Organizations partnering in this initiative include AAPI New Jersey, ACLU of New Jersey, New Jersey Citizen Action, League of Women Voters of New Jersey among others. Labor representation includes CWA District 1 and SEIU 32BJ.
Amber Reed from AAPI New Jersey expressed enthusiasm about participating: "During this critical year and beyond we'll be knocking doors to ensure Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders understand and claim their power."
Amol Sinha from ACLU-NJ emphasized voting as fundamental: “We’re proud to join...to encourage voters across New Jersey.”
Assatta Mann from NJ Institute for Social Justice highlighted democracy's fragility: “We must ensure voters feel represented...or we will continue seeing declines in turnout.”
Mo Kinberg from We the People NJ coalition noted past low voter participation: "We are proud...to increase turnout."
Jesse Burns from League of Women Voters NJ spoke on building grassroots power: "The Million Voter Project will build grassroots power that candidates...would be unwise to ignore.”
Racquel Romans-Henry from Salvation & Social Justice stressed addressing systemic inequities: “This election not only serves as a crucial juncture for our state but holds particular significance for Black communities.”
Dena Mottola Jaborska from NJ Citizen Action remarked on political disconnect: "The Million Voters Project will help ensure their voices are heard."
Ronsha A. Dickerson from Camden We Choose Coalition commented on empowering Black communities: “This effort will finally put voting power...front and center.”
Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz from Latino Action Network Foundation highlighted Latino engagement: “We need to engage diverse voters more than ever.”
Charlene Walker from Faith in NJ underscored restoring faith in democracy: “This project is about restoring faith in democracy.”
