"Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee took a historic step toward safeguarding the ballot box by advancing S282/A1715, the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey. The legislation aims to strengthen protections against voter suppression and discrimination, ensuring that every New Jerseyan has equal access to the democratic process.

Allison McLeod, Interim Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, released the following statement:

Today’s vote is a testament to New Jersey’s leadership at a time when our civil rights are under siege nationwide. While Donald Trump and his MAGA allies continue their relentless crusade to gerrymander our democracy and silence the voices of the people, New Jersey is drawing a line in the sand.

We are witnessing a coordinated assault on the right to vote, fueled by a Supreme Court that has systematically dismantled the strongest protections of the federal Voting Rights Act. We are seeing  a wave of disenfranchisement across the country, aimed squarely at Black voters and voters of color. We cannot, and will not, allow that  to take root here.

When Washington steps back, Trenton must stand up. By advancing S282/A1715, we are making it clear that in the Garden State, we expand the right to vote — we don't restrict it. We now call on the Senate to swiftly take up this historic measure on the floor so we can send it to Governor Sherrill’s desk. We must send a definitive message to anyone who seeks to roll back our progress on civil rights: New Jersey will fight for our democracy and for the rights of every voter."