Bill > A4083

This bill, titled the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey," aims to strengthen voting rights and prevent voter suppression and dilution. It establishes the public policy of New Jersey to encourage maximum participation in elections and ensure equal opportunity for all eligible voters, especially those in protected classes (defined as racial, color, or language-minority groups, including Arabic speakers), to participate in the political process. The bill mandates that all state laws, regulations, and local enactments related to voting be interpreted liberally in favor of protecting the right to cast and have ballots counted, ensuring accessible voter registration, and promoting equitable access to voting. It prohibits any voting qualification, prerequisite, law, ordinance, standard, practice, procedure, regulation, or policy that results in a denial or abridgement of the right to vote for members of protected classes, requiring that any such measures be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling governmental interest. The bill also addresses vote dilution by prohibiting methods of election that impair the ability of protected class members to elect candidates of their choice or influence election outcomes, particularly in cases of racially polarized voting. Furthermore, it establishes a preclearance process for certain "covered entities" (political subdivisions with a history of voting rights violations or specific demographic criteria) to obtain prior approval from the Attorney General for any "covered policy" (changes to voting qualifications, methods of election, polling place locations, registration processes, etc.) that could affect voting rights. The bill also requires language assistance for limited English proficient individuals, mandates public hearings and outreach for redistricting processes, and outlines procedures for notifying political subdivisions of potential violations before legal action. Finally, it appropriates $5 million to the Office of the Attorney General to implement the act and establishes a dedicated fund for reimbursing political subdivisions for legal counsel costs related to voting and election matters.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4083