New Jersey has become the first state to pass voting rights reform in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling, giving Summit-area voters new ballot protections under a law championed by Senate President Nicholas Scutari.
The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, named for the late civil rights congressman, expands language assistance for voters with limited English, adds safeguards against voter suppression, and creates a public database of election information statewide. Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed it into law in early July.
"We must remain vigilant and ensure our election laws evolve to meet new challenges that threaten this fundamental right," Scutari said. "We should never take that responsibility for granted."
The Supreme Court's April ruling struck down majority-minority congressional districts and narrowed the federal Voting Rights Act. In its wake, Tennessee, Louisiana and Alabama began redrawing congressional maps in ways that reduce Black representation ahead of the 2026 elections. Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson, a lead sponsor, said the new law ensures New Jersey voters — "especially Black and other voters of color" — are protected more by state law than by federal law alone.
Lawmakers framed the law as pushback against the federal SAVE America Act, backed by President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, which would require a passport or birth certificate to register and impose strict voter ID rules. Fewer than half of Americans hold a valid passport. Groups including the ACLU and NAACP warn that bill could create hurdles for people who've changed their names, voters with disabilities, and language-minority communities.
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. faces Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in the 7th Congressional District this fall.
Key dates:
- Oct. 13, 2026 — Voter registration deadline
- Nov. 3, 2026 — General election
Register or check your status here.
