Legislation would advance efforts to protect ballot access, strengthen election safeguards, and expand equitable participation for NJ voters

(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson issued the following statement after testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee today in support of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey. The Assemblywoman is the prime sponsor of the Act (Bill A1715) in the Assembly. The General Assembly passed the legislation earlier this year.

“The advancement of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act in the Senate Judiciary Committee marks another important step toward strengthening and protecting one of our most fundamental rights, the right to vote. At a time when we are seeing growing efforts across the country to create barriers to participation and raise questions about who should have access to the ballot box, New Jersey is continuing to move in the opposite direction by making clear that every eligible voter deserves a fair opportunity to participate in our democracy.

“This legislation honors the legacy of Congressman John R. Lewis, who dedicated his life to ensuring that the promise of democracy extended to everyone. Protecting access to the ballot, strengthening safeguards against discrimination, and ensuring communities have an equal voice are not partisan issues; they are essential actions to preserve a democracy that works for all people.”