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 designates the Attorney General as the chief legal officer responsible for enforcing these provisions and compliance with voting rights laws. The legislation also addresses voter suppression by prohibiting practices that could deny or abridge the voting rights of protected class members and outlines specific violations related to election administration.

Additionally, the bill introduces a comprehensive process for political subdivisions to follow when implementing new election methods or redistricting plans, including public hearings and outreach to non-English-speaking communities. It mandates that local election offices provide language assistance and electoral materials in designated languages for limited English proficient individuals. The bill establishes a preclearance process for voting qualifications and practices, requiring approval from the Attorney General or a designated court. It also prohibits intimidation or obstruction of voters and election workers, reinforces the integrity of the electoral process, and creates the New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to promote research on voting practices. Overall, the act aims to create a more inclusive and transparent electoral environment in New Jersey.