The Assembly State and Local Government Committee in New Jersey has approved the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, a state-level voting rights initiative. This legislation aims to enhance voter protection against intimidation and deception, provide more legal tools for voters, increase language assistance, and establish a preclearance program to prevent discriminatory policies. It also seeks to create a transparent database of voting information.
Nuzhat Chowdhury from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice commented on the importance of this act: "Today was a good day for democracy in New Jersey... The New Jersey Voter Empowerment Act, which will protect Black, Brown and other voters of color, is imperative for our state’s future."
Alejandra Sorto from ACLU-NJ emphasized the need to remove barriers to voting: “Passing the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey (NJVEA) will remove barriers to voting and ensure that all voters can make their voices heard."
Winn Khuong from Action Together New Jersey highlighted its critical timing: "Passing NJVRA right now is critical in New Jersey... We can act to prevent any voter intimidation at the polls."
Haliema Twam from Palestinian American Community Center stressed community needs: “We would rather continue working on being counted in the census so we can implement fair language access..."
Rabbi Dr. Joel N. Abraham reflected on democratic choice: “Our democracy is predicated on the idea of choice... Only if we extend the right of choice - the ability to vote - to all who are eligible..."
Mo Kinberg from NJ Working Families Alliance underscored inclusivity: "The New Jersey Voting Rights Act is essential...to building the inclusive, multi-racial democracy that the people of New Jersey deserve."
Sarah Blaine from RAC-NJ noted historical context: “Supporting this bill is in RAC-NJ’s DNA... At the RAC, we take this history seriously.”
Cuqui Rivera from Latino Action Network Foundation mentioned previous efforts: "Specific to New Jersey, advocates have fought hard...to expand voting rights..."
Brett Edkins from Stand Up America pointed out remaining challenges: "...voters with disabilities, and those whose first language is not English still face unequal barriers..."
Jonah Minkoff-Zern from Public Citizen stated its necessity: "Passing the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey is an essential step..."
Brent Ferguson from Campaign Legal Center discussed federal court impacts: “For decades, federal courts have narrowed and weakened... The passage of the NJVRA will help ensure that..."
Madison Linton with NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice urged immediate action due to high stakes: “The stakes for our democracy are too high...we believe that all New Jerseyans—regardless of language—should be able..."
Adam Lioz from Legal Defense Fund called it an urgent opportunity: “New Jersey has an urgent opportunity... The NJVRA will do just that…”
Patrick Stegemoeller from AALDEF focused on Asian American concerns: "The NJVEA will help redress marginalization faced by immigrant communities…"
Ed Potosnak from New Jersey LCV highlighted voter participation issues: “New Jersey currently lags in voter participation… That’s why we need stronger guardrails…”
With these perspectives presented during testimony supporting this legislation today, advocates emphasize its significance amid ongoing national discussions about voting rights.
