Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that the Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS) will be taking steps to help ensure a fair and smooth-running election during the 2024 primary election. He established the initiative prior to the 2022 general election to identify and address voting rights or civil rights violations arising during early voting and on Election Day.

Early voting for New Jersey’s primary election begins on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, and LPS will play a key role in protecting New Jerseyans’ right to vote, as well as in assisting voters, election officials, and law enforcement in resolving voting-related legal matters.

Attorney General Platkin announced that the Voter Protection Initiative will once again work with community stakeholders and partners to identify and address issues affecting voting access. The Voter Protection Initiative focuses on identifying and addressing any voting rights or civil rights violations that may arise during early voting and on Election Day, including under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise this fundamental right without facing intimidation, discrimination, or harassment,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We have built the infrastructure to promptly resolve voting-related issues, and we will hold accountable anyone who attempts to disrupt our democratic process.”

The Department of Law and Public Safety provides New Jersey residents with answers to frequently asked questions regarding the right to vote. The webpage explains how voters can report any problems they encounter during early voting or on Election Day.

In addition to the Voter Protection Initiative, the Division of Law, as it has in previous elections, will make available a team of dedicated attorneys to advise county elections officials around the clock. This aims to facilitate free, fair, and secure elections and swift, unhindered, and equitable access to voting for all eligible individuals in accordance with New Jersey’s election laws.

Additionally, the Department of Law and Public Safety’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability will monitor claims of voter intimidation, improper electioneering, election fraud, and other criminal violations. Reports of election interference will be directed to local and federal law enforcement as needed. The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell will also monitor for both cyber and physical security threats related to elections.

In 2023, Attorney General Platkin issued updated guidance for local law enforcement officials across the state regarding their role in elections. This ensures that officers are fully informed about laws protecting voters from intimidation as they exercise their right to vote.

It is a criminal offense to solicit or electioneer voters within a “protective zone” as they enter or exit a polling location. The “protective zone” extends 100 feet from any polling site entrance. Attempts to interfere with voters within this zone are typically handled by poll site officials unless law enforcement intervention is necessary.

Outside of LPS efforts, there is a list of county-level election office contacts available for public reference along with other useful information related to elections. Members of the public can direct questions regarding elections to their County Superintendent of Elections or County Board of Elections.

Anyone who believes their right to vote has been interfered with or wishes to report other voting-related problems can call the State’s Voter Information and Assistance line toll-free at 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837).

Members of the public subjected to discrimination or harassment connected with voting may report these issues through the NJ BIAS online portal or by calling 1-800-277-BIAS (1-800-277-2427). Depending on urgency complaints filed with the Division on Civil Rights may be addressed during or after an election.