The legislation would require election officials to provide ballots and other voting materials in additional languages in qualifying communities across New Jersey.
Trenton, NJ – Democrats in the New Jersey Legislature have approved the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey, a sweeping elections bill that expands language-access requirements for ballots and other voting materials in qualifying communities.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Shirley K. Turner, Sen. Joseph P. Cryan, Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, would require county election officials to provide ballots and election materials in additional languages when demographic thresholds established under the law are met.
Language requirements expanded
The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey broadens New Jersey’s election laws by requiring translated ballots, voting instructions, and other election materials in jurisdictions that meet specified population criteria. The ballot requirement will kick in if a certain population exceeds 2%, according to the latest census.
County election officials would be responsible for determining which languages are required based on census and voter data and for producing the translated materials for affected elections.
The measure also contains additional election administration and voter access provisions beyond the expanded language requirements.
Bill heads to governor
The legislation was approved by the Democratic majorities in both chambers of the Legislature and now awaits action from Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
If signed into law, counties meeting the statutory thresholds would be required to implement the expanded language-access provisions for future elections in accordance with the bill’s requirements.
Key Points
- Democrats approved the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey.
- The bill expands requirements for ballots and election materials to be printed in additional languages in qualifying jurisdictions.
- The legislation was sponsored by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Shirley K. Turner, Joseph P. Cryan, and Nicholas P. Scutari and now awaits Gov. Sherrill’s signature
Related: John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, New Jersey Legislature, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Shirley K. Turner,
