ACLU-NJ Celebrates New Jersey Legislature’s Passage of John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act 

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2026

NEWARK – Following the New Jersey Legislature’s passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey (S282/A1715) today, Alejandra Sorto, Associate Director of Civic Engagement at the ACLU of New Jersey, released the following statement:

“We are grateful that the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey is headed to Governor Sherrill’s desk to be signed into law. This bill will remove barriers to voting that disproportionally harm voters of color across the state, increase language access and assistance, and prohibit deceptive practices at the polls – critical measures as federal protections continue to be eroded. New Jerseyans deserve a strong, inclusive, and representative democracy where every voice is heard, and this bill will create meaningful progress toward building that reality.

“Thank you to prime sponsors Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson, Senate President Scutari, and Senators Turner and Cryan for their leadership in championing this bill. We urge Governor Sherrill to swiftly sign the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey into law and help make voting freer and fairer for everyone in the Garden State.”

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The ACLU of New Jersey has defended liberty and justice guided by the vision of a fair and equitable New Jersey for all since our founding in 1960. Our mission is to preserve, advance, and expand the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions in courts, in the legislature, and in our communities. We strive to be anti-racist and are actively committed to advancing racial justice for the people of New Jersey. We are a non-partisan organization that operates across political, legal, and cultural fronts to bring about change and build a more equitable society. www.aclu-nj.org