The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, welcomes passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act (NJVEA) in the New Jersey State Legislature.
CAIR-NJ thanks the New Jersey Institute of Social Justice for leading the campaign to ensure voting rights are strengthened in New Jersey. If signed into law, the NJVEA would help prevent discriminatory voting protocol changes without “preclearance” from the state or a court; expand language access for voters; and prohibit voter discrimination and intimidation. This will ensure robust Muslim voter participation across the state.
READ: CAIR-NJ’s Testimony in Support of the NJVEA
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“CAIR-NJ has long advocated for passage of the New Jersey Voting Rights Act – whether at Muslim Day of Advocacy at Trenton, or in coalition with our partners at NJISJ and AAPI-NJ. We are glad to see it pass both chambers and urge Governor Mikie Sherrill to sign it swiftly. We have to send a message to the federal government that New Jersey will not go back on voting rights.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter, nakhter@cair.com, 908-921-1238