Interim Executive Director Allison McLeod: “Protecting Our Democracy is Essential to Protecting Our Environment”

Today, the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters celebrated the passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey (A1715) through the Assembly State and Local Government Committee. This landmark legislation, a central pillar of New Jersey LCV’s 2026-2027 Common Agenda, aims to safeguard the right to vote for all New Jerseyans and establish the state as a national leader in the fight to protect democracy.

The bill’s advancement comes at a critical moment as the state faces unprecedented attempts by the federal government to suppress the vote and weaken democratic institutions. By establishing a state-level preclearance program to stop discriminatory policies before they take effect and expanding language assistance, the legislation would ensure that the voices of New Jersey’s diverse communities — including those most impacted by pollution and climate change — cannot be silenced.

“The passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act through committee is a major victory for every New Jerseyan who believes that our government should be accountable to the people, not just the powerful,” said New Jersey LCV interim Executive Director Allison McLeod. “Now, more than ever, Trenton must step up and protect fundamental rights that are under attack by a federal government that  is working overtime to suppress our votes. We know that a strong, inclusive democracy is the best defense we have against corporate polluters who threaten our health and safety in their relentless pursuit of profits. When we protect the ballot, we protect our air, our water and our future.”

The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act (A1715) includes several key protections, including expanding language access, promoting voter participation wherever possible, and making sure any potential changes to our voting processes do not disenfranchise or harm voters.

“We are deeply grateful to Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer) for her tireless leadership and sponsorship of this vital bill,” continued McLeod. “Her commitment to honoring the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis will ensure that New Jersey remains a firewall against the erosion of civil rights happening at the federal level. We now call on both houses of the Legislature to move swiftly and send this bill to Governor Sherrill’s desk. In these concerning times, New Jersey must act with urgency to protect the sacred right that empowers all our other work: the right to vote.”