Defending Our Vote: Our Election Protection Plan

The power of the people is at the polls, and the ACLU of New Jersey is committed to ensuring every voice is heard.

That means before every election we’re organizing in communities across the state to ensure that all eligible voters can vote and that the will of voters is respected – because the right to vote is the very cornerstone of our democracy.

As you prepare to cast your ballot this fall, learn more about the upcoming election, including how to register and where to find your polling place, by visiting our New Jersey Election Guide.

Here’s how we’re working to keep elections free and fair in the Garden State.

Everyone deserves to fully participate in our democracy and make their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them.

We’re collaborating with our partners to ensure every voter has an equal opportunity to vote and can cast their ballot without fear or intimidation. Together, we’re working to make sure every eligible New Jerseyan can access the polls and, in turn, make our democracy stronger.

In recent years, New Jersey has made progress to dismantle barriers to the ballot that have disproportionately impacted voters of color, the elderly, students, and people with disabilities. We continue to work with our partners to make sure these policies fulfill their promise.

To learn more about voting in New Jersey, call or text the following numbers to speak with a trained volunteer:

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE (English)

• 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (English/Spanish)

• 1-888-API-VOTE (English/Asian languages)

• 1-844-YALLA-US (English/Arabic)

New Jersey has shown what it means to be a national leader on voting rights.

After many years of advocacy with our partners across the state, the landmark John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey (NJVEA) was signed into law by Governor Sherrill in July 2026. In doing so, New Jersey became the first state to enact a state-level Voting Rights Act after the U.S. Supreme Court’s devastating ruling in Louisiana v. Callais – which further eroded federal voting rights protections.

Following the passage of the NJVEA, we’re monitoring its implementation to ensure its protections safeguarding voting rights, including its provisions prohibiting vote dilution and voter suppression, are put in place to their fullest potential.

But New Jersey can still do more. We continue to advocate for the passage of legislation that will increase access to the ballot, including same-day voter registration.

From protecting voter privacy to representing voters turned away from the polls to eliminating the county line, we’re working in the courts to keep elections free and fair.

We fight back against discriminatory voting laws, racial gerrymandering, attacks on mail-in voting and voter registration, and other efforts that undermine voting rights. We also work to ensure that government officials do not exceed their authority and put eligible voters’ access to the ballot at risk, because every eligible voter has the right to cast their ballot and have it counted.

We’re prioritizing public education and community engagement initiatives to increase civic participation and strengthen our democracy. We’re reaching out to voters and knocking on doors across the state to empower them with information about how to register to vote and cast their ballot, because the more eligible voters who participate in elections, the stronger New Jersey will be.

The power belongs to the people, and it’s important that they have the information they need to make their voices heard. Sign up here to get involved with your community this election season.

Our democracy is the strongest when everyone can participate – and that means it’s essential for New Jerseyans to know their rights.

When people know their voting rights, they know how to exercise them, which makes our communities stronger. Together, with our community partners, we continue to work on key education initiatives to empower people across the state with information about the rights afforded to them under state and federal law. Our team regularly speaks on voting rights panels, hosts Know Your Rights trainings, and participates in public workshops about protecting and strengthening our democracy. Explore our upcoming events to see if we'll be in your community soon.