(Paterson) – Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic), who voted in support of the Democracy Act (S-50/A-4613) — legislation that would expand voter access and strengthen voter fraud and harassment laws in New Jersey — issued the following statement regarding the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act:
“Fifty years after the historic signing of the Voting Rights Act, America continues to fight for equal and unencumbered voting rights for all people. John Lewis valiantly remains leader of national efforts to restore the core principles of the Voting Rights Act and sustain the effectiveness of the law that has protected the right to vote for five decades. The youth of this generation are privileged to witness and, for some, take part in these efforts to protect the right to express their opinions at the ballot box.
“New Jersey’s “Democracy Act,” bi-partisan legislation would comprehensively expand voter access for New Jersey residents, including those in the military temporarily assigned abroad. The bill was approved by the legislature in June and remains unsigned by the Governor. New Jersey should not have to wait any longer.”