The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey is designed to enhance voter participation and protect the voting rights of 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 creates a Division of Voting Rights within the Department of the Treasury to enforce the act's provisions and ensure compliance with voting rights laws. The legislation also includes measures to prevent voter suppression, requiring local election offices to provide language assistance for eligible voters who are limited English proficient, and mandates public hearings and outreach efforts for new apportionment or redistricting plans.

Additionally, the bill introduces a preclearance process for new or modified voting policies affecting protected classes, requiring political subdivisions with a history of voting rights violations to seek approval from the Division of Voting Rights before implementation. It emphasizes the importance of public education regarding voting rights and establishes the New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain a centralized database of election data and facilitate research on voting practices. The act appropriates $2.5 million for its implementation and includes provisions for remedies in cases of violations, ensuring that the rights of marginalized communities are protected and that electoral processes remain fair and accessible.