New Jersey assembly committee advances ‘John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act’ to safeguard voting rights

June 12, 2025 Story by: Publisher

A bipartisan Assembly committee has taken a decisive step toward bolstering electoral protections in New Jersey by advancing A4083, known as the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act. The move reflects a growing trend as states counteract weakened federal voting rights safeguards.

Committee Vote & Legislative Backing

The Assembly Oversight, Reform & Federal Relations Committee approved the bill Thursday by a 4–1 margin, with one abstention. Democrat Assemblyman Reginald Atkins (Union), committee chair, applauded the vote, declaring:

“Here, we expand Democracy. We don’t shrink it.”

Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (R-Morris) was the sole vote against, echoing concerns about cost, redundancy with existing enforcement, and the unusual placement of enforcement within the Treasury Department rather than the Attorney General’s office. Assemblyman Michael Torrissi (R-Burlington) abstained.

The bill would expand state courts’ power over elections, permitting them to change rules that violate the bill’s provisions, redraw voting districts, expand governing bodies, and move some election dates to coincide with higher-turnout state and federal races.

The bill would create preclearance rules at the state level, requiring localities with a history of voter suppression or intimidation to seek approval before enacting election rule changes, mirroring a provision of the federal Voting Rights Act the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in 2013.

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice identified 885 cases of voter intimidation, voter ID, registration, or polling access issues in the state between 2020 and 2024, said Nuzhat Chowdhury, director of its democracy and justice program.

Core Provisions of A4083

The bill mirrors key aspects of the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA), with several robust enhancements:

1. State-Level Preclearance
   Local jurisdictions with histories of voter suppression or intimidation must seek approval before implementing election-related changes—mirroring the federal formula struck down in Shelby County v. Holder (2013).
2. New Voting Rights Office
   An independent office within the Treasury Department will oversee election procedures, handle preclearance, and approve corrective actions. Officials who receive notices have a 190-day safe harbor to remedy issues before litigation can proceed.
3. Court Oversight & Judicial Powers
   State courts could alter election rules, redraw districts, expand governing bodies, or reschedule elections if violations of the Act are found.
4. Liberative Legal Interpretation
   All election-related statutes, regulations, and rules must be interpreted in favor of voter participation rights, with narrow tailoring required for any policies that burden voting—mirroring federal legal standards.
5. Language Access Requirements
   Municipalities must provide translated election materials (ballots, registration forms, notices) in non-English languages when at least 2% (≈4,000) of eligible voters are limited-English proficient. This is a lower threshold than the federal 5% requirement.

Support from Advocates & Civil Rights Groups

Proponents underscore state-level protections as vital in light of federal rollbacks:

• Jesse Burns, League of Women Voters–NJ, warned:

“We have seen attacks on voting rights at the federal level accelerate… state-level VRAs are a powerful tool”

• Madison Linton, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, noted New Jersey’s large immigrant population (1 in 4 residents, with 42.5% L.E.P.), saying language access isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
• Nuzhat Chowdhury, Democracy & Justice Program (NJ Institute for Social Justice), cited 885 documented local voter suppression incidents since 2020, underscoring the bill’s urgency.

Opposition Concerns

Opponents warn the bill grants courts and the bureaucracy too much authority:

• Linda Hughes, an election official, cautioned state courts could make unilateral election changes, undermining uniformity and legislative prerogatives.

Path Forward

The bill now moves to the full Assembly for floor consideration. Its progress in the Senate remains unknown; identical legislation (S3009) is pending in the Senate’s pipeline.

Assuming passage, Governor Murphy (D) is expected to sign it into law, reinforcing New Jersey’s position among seven states—including New York and Connecticut—with state voting rights acts on their books.

Why It Matters

• Federal Fallout: With federal courts and DOJ pulling back on VRA enforcement, states are filling voids to safeguard democracy.
• Racial & Language Equity: The bill addresses modern barriers facing voters of color, immigrants, and LEP individuals.
• Checks and Balances: Introducing preclearance, judicial oversight, and new enforcement structures reflects a proactive, state-led protection model.

Bottom Line

The advancement of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act marks a bold step for New Jersey, signaling a proactive stance in protecting voting access amid national retrenchment. The crucial issues now hinge on legislative floor votes, Senate adoption, and eventual enactment. With elections fast approaching, advocates will watch closely to ensure the state’s democratic safeguards keep pace with evolving threats.

Source: Bill Track 50 / Insider NJ / New Jersey Legislature / New Jersey Monitor