The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey is designed to enhance voting rights and ensure equitable access to the electoral process, particularly for individuals from protected classes, including racial, color, and language-minority groups. The bill establishes a public policy that promotes maximum participation in elections and mandates that state laws related to voting be interpreted to favor the protection of voting rights. It outlines the responsibilities of the Attorney General in enforcing these rights, including conducting investigations and representing the public interest in federal voting rights proceedings. The legislation prohibits voting qualifications or practices that could suppress or dilute votes for protected class members and emphasizes the need for policies that do not unnecessarily burden the right to vote.

Additionally, the bill introduces a preclearance process for new or modified voting policies by entities with a history of voting rights violations, requiring the Attorney General's approval to ensure compliance with voting rights protections. It mandates local election offices to provide language assistance for eligible voters who are limited English proficient, ensuring electoral materials are available in both the designated language and English. The act also empowers the Attorney General to enforce its provisions, including issuing subpoenas and expediting legal proceedings related to election violations. Overall, the legislation aims to create a more inclusive electoral process while providing mechanisms for accountability and remedy in cases of voting rights violations.