Voting-rights legislation clears Assembly committee

A state Assembly committee cleared a voting rights act on Thursday that proponents say will fill a dangerous gap left by the weakening of the federal Voting Rights Act.

The legislation, named for the late Georgia congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, would expand translation and interpretation services for voters, direct officials to construe laws in favor of allowing voters to cast ballots, and other provisions. The bill’s sponsor, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Trenton), said the legislation will protect voters from rulings that have chipped away at voter protections in recent years.

“This is a bill that establishes fierce statewide protections to ensure every eligible voter in New Jersey can participate fully and fairly in elections,” Reynolds-Jackson said. “Our voting rights are under attack across America, especially for voters of marginalized communities of color.”

Reynolds-Jackson and supporters said a series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions warrants the implementation of a New Jersey Voting Rights Act. Eight other states, including New York and Connecticut, have passed similar legislation.



https://newjerseyglobe.com/voters/voting-rights-legislation-clears-assembly-committee/