Democracy & Civic Engagement

The ACLU-NJ advocates for a government that is accountable to the people and for access to the tools that will allow people to participate fully in public life.

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A government by the people, for the people can only exist when members of the public are able to freely participate in civic life and make their voices heard. Democracy requires transparency from our officials, unrestricted voting rights, the freedom to dissent, and the ability to meaningfully obtain information about and weigh in on important government decision-making.

The ACLU-NJ advocates for a government that is accountable to the people and for access to the tools that will allow people to participate fully in public life.

The Latest


Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Sends Letter to Ocean County Board of Elections Demanding it Cease Unlawful Mass Voter Challenge

The Board’s actions reflect a stark misunderstanding of the rules governing voter eligibility and offend the integrity of the democratic process.
Know Your Rights
A man in front of an American flag holding an "I voted" sticker

Unhoused, Not Unheard: Know Your Rights When Voting While Unhoused in New Jersey

News & Commentary
voting

Your Vote Is Your Voice – Make It Heard in November’s General Election

There is no more fundamental right in our democracy than the right to vote.
News & Commentary
ACLUTrentonRally

Defending Democracy Requires All Of Us

The second Trump administration has not just picked up where it left off – it is moving with greater speed, more aggression, and fewer constraints.  

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Campaign
Aug 2025

Expanding Voting Rights for All

The ACLU-NJ is fighting for expanded and equal access to the ballot.
Court Case
Mar 4, 2026

United States v. Caldwell

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey, the Latino Action Network, and an individual New Jersey voter, represented by the ACLU of New Jersey and the ACLU Voting Rights Project, have joined this lawsuit as Intervenor-Defendants to prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from obtaining New Jersey voters’ personal data.
Campaign
Aug 2026

All of Us

Defending democracy requires all of us.
Campaign
Sep 2026

Your New Jersey Election Guide

Questions about the 2026 General Election? We've got answers.