Bill > S282

This bill, known as the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey," aims to strengthen voting rights and prevent voter suppression and dilution, particularly for "protected classes" which include racial, color, or language-minority groups. It establishes the public policy of New Jersey to maximize voter participation and ensure equal opportunity for all eligible voters, especially those in protected classes, to engage in the political process. The bill mandates that any State law or local enactment related to voting be interpreted liberally in favor of protecting the right to cast a ballot, ensuring voter registration is not hindered, preventing unlawful discrimination in voting, making voting more accessible, and ensuring equitable access to registration and voting opportunities. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing the act, with the Division on Civil Rights playing a key role. The bill prohibits actions that result in a "material disparity" in voting access or participation for protected classes, or that impair their ability to participate in the political process, unless justified by a compelling state interest. It also addresses "vote dilution" by prohibiting election methods that impair the ability of protected class members to elect candidates of their choice or influence election outcomes, requiring consideration of factors like racially polarized voting. The bill outlines a process for "preclearance," where certain "covered entities" (political subdivisions with a history of discrimination or specific demographic and voting patterns) must obtain prior approval from the Attorney General before enacting or modifying "covered policies" related to voting. It also requires enhanced public hearings and transparency for redistricting plans in covered entities and establishes procedures for providing language assistance to voters with limited English proficiency. The bill also prohibits deceptive or fraudulent communication related to elections and sets forth remedies for violations, including potential damages and attorneys' fees for prevailing plaintiffs.