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The role of civil rights attorneys in protecting voter rights

On Behalf of | Jun 12, 2024 | Civil Rights |

The right to vote is a fundamental cornerstone of our democracy. However, this right is not always guaranteed and can be threatened by various forms of discrimination and suppression. In New Jersey, as in many other states, civil rights attorneys play a crucial role in safeguarding voter rights, ensuring that every eligible citizen can freely exercise their democratic right to vote.

Five ways attorneys can protect voter rights

Civil rights attorneys work tirelessly to protect voter rights in several ways. Here are some examples:

  1. Challenging discriminatory laws: Attorneys often challenge laws that disproportionately affect certain groups of voters. For instance, they might contest strict voter ID laws that disproportionately impact low-income individuals, racial minorities and older people, who may not have the required identification.
  2. Fighting voter suppression: Civil rights attorneys fight tactics to suppress voter turnout, such as purging voter rolls, restricting early voting, and closing polling places in specific neighborhoods. They file lawsuits to halt these practices and ensure equal voter access.
  3. Advocating for accessible voting: Attorneys advocate for measures that make voting more accessible, such as automatic voter registration, expanded early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. They argue these cases in court to make it easier for all citizens to vote.
  4. Representing individuals: A civil rights attorney can represent individuals in court if they believe someone violated their voting rights. The circumstances could involve cases where a person has been wrongly purged from the voter rolls or denied the right to vote due to a felony conviction.
  5. Educating the public: Attorneys also play a vital role in educating the public about their voting rights. They conduct workshops, write articles, and use social media to inform citizens about how to register, where to vote, and what to do if they encounter problems at the polls.

Fighting for your rights in New Jersey

In conclusion, civil rights attorneys are on the front lines in the fight to protect and uphold voter rights in New Jersey. Their work is essential in maintaining the integrity of our democratic process and ensuring that every voice counts. As citizens, we must support these efforts and remain vigilant in protecting our right to vote.