This bill establishes the Office of Voting Rights within the Office of the Public Defender in the Department of the Treasury. The primary function of this new office is to provide free legal services to voters facing legal issues on election day, ensuring that any resident of New Jersey can access representation at no cost. The legal services offered will address various issues, including administrative challenges related to voter registration, disputes initiated by appointed challengers, and any attempts to harass or intimidate voters in violation of election laws.
The Public Defender will oversee the Office of Voting Rights, with responsibilities that include appointing necessary staff, assigning attorneys to represent voters, and coordinating with other state departments to gather resources and assistance. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the Office of Voting Rights effectively fulfills its mission to protect voter rights and address legal challenges encountered during the voting process. The act is set to take effect 180 days after its enactment.