1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

As a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and your constituent, I ask that you support The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey (A4083/S3009). With voting rights under assault across the country and in the courts, and the federal Voting Rights Act weakened, New Jersey voters, especially African-American voters, face disproportionate challenges when trying to vote. For African-Americans in New Jersey, the right to vote is not merely a civic duty, but a crucial tool for addressing historical and ongoing systemic inequalities, including disparities in education, economic opportunity, and criminal justice. A state Voting Rights Act would help protect and strengthen this fundamental right, establishing a state preclearance program to require that local governments with a history of discrimination receive approval from a state court or independent state agency before any change to voting processes can go into effect. This is particularly vital in communities with significant African-American populations, where discriminatory practices can have a profound impact. It would provide new tools to combat voter disenfranchisement and intimidation, which have historically targeted African-American communities, expand language access to ensure all eligible citizens can participate, and make New Jersey a leader in the fight to defend voting rights, ensuring that the voices of African-Americans and other marginalized groups are heard and represented in our democracy. Please show your support for the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey" (A4083/S3009).