There is no more fundamental right in our democracy than the right to vote.
In a democracy, political power is a positive feedback loop – accountability generates more accountability, participation inspires more participation, progress fuels more progress. And in every election, we cast our votes on the issues that impact our communities, our lives, and our futures.
With every vote in an election, New Jerseyans decide whether immigrant communities will be able to live safely in the places they call home, whether all people can have access to abortion and other reproductive health care, and whether our state will become fairer and more welcoming for everyone.
As attacks on our most fundamental rights continue across the country – as families are being torn apart, books are being banned, nurses are being attacked by federal agents, and communities are being targeted – the need to protect the right to vote and demand change at the ballot box could not be higher.
This summer, New Jersey passed the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, a state-level Voting Rights Act (VRA) that protects and expands access to voting – cementing our state as a leader in voting rights ahead of the upcoming elections. New Jersey is the first state to enact a state-level VRA after the U.S. Supreme Court’s devastating ruling in Louisiana v. Callais – which further eroded voting rights protections under the federal Voting Rights Act.
The right to vote is protected in New Jersey. Now, in New Jersey’s upcoming General Election, it’s up to voters to exercise their rights and make their voices heard on the issues that they care about.
When we vote, we elect the people that will represent us and have a say on our most fundamental rights and freedoms. This fall, New Jerseyans will vote for every U.S. representative and a senator, shaping our state’s political landscape for years to come.
Whether you plan to vote by mail, in-person during early voting, or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, we hope that you cast your ballot with your values in mind and make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to you.
Today, on National Voter Registration Day, we celebrate a vision of a strong, and representative democracy where every New Jerseyan’s voice is heard, loud and clear. New Jersey has already made progress to turn this dream into a reality, and this fall, we empower you to raise your voice and vote for your values. The frontlines of freedom are defended by the states, and the ACLU of New Jersey is using every tool at our disposal to defend our democracy and ensure that voters can freely make informed decisions about the critical civil liberties issues that impact their lives.
The deadline to register to vote for the 2026 General Election is Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Check your registration status and register to vote here.
Want to take action? Join our movement and find civic engagement opportunities here. Voting is power, and that power belongs to the people.
