Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced Monday that New Jersey is deploying attorneys, civil rights investigators and law enforcement resources to protect voters during the November 3 general election, including preparations for possible interference by the federal government.
Davenport said the Department of Law and Public Safety will provide around-the-clock legal assistance to county election officials, investigate voter intimidation and other election-law violations, and monitor potential threats to election security.
“Our democracy’s continued success depends on free, fair, and secure elections,” Davenport said. “As eligible New Jerseyans cast their ballots – whether by mail, through secure drop boxes, or in person – we are working to ensure they are protected from any illegal interference with their right to vote.”
The Attorney General’s Office specifically identified potential federal interference as a concern, saying it is preparing to respond to unlawful federal actions involving New Jersey’s elections. Davenport said it would issue additional guidance if necessary.
The announcement comes as New Jersey prepares for nine days of in-person early voting, beginning Saturday, October 24, and continuing through Sunday, November 1.
The Division on Civil Rights will have investigators available throughout early voting and Election Day to handle complaints involving voter intimidation, harassment, deceptive practices, discrimination, and other unlawful barriers to voting.
The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, strengthens those protections. The legislation expanded protections against voter intimidation and discrimination and gave the Division on Civil Rights responsibility for investigating and enforcing its provisions.
The Division of Law will assign attorneys to provide legal advice to county election officials around the clock during early voting and on Election Day, with the goal of resolving disputes quickly and ensuring eligible voters are not denied access to the ballot.
The Division of Criminal Justice will monitor allegations of election fraud, improper electioneering and other criminal violations, referring cases to law enforcement when appropriate.
Davenport has also issued updated guidance to law enforcement agencies explaining their responsibilities during elections and the legal limits on police involvement.
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, part of the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, will monitor potential cybersecurity threats and physical threats to election operations.
New Jersey voters can cast ballots by mail, vote early at designated locations in their home counties, or vote at their assigned polling places on November 3.
Davenport urged voters using mail-in ballots to return them early to avoid potential Postal Service delays. Voters may also deposit ballots in secure drop boxes or deliver them directly to county boards of elections by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters can report intimidation, discrimination, or interference to the Division on Civil Rights at 1-833-653-2748. The state’s voter assistance hotline is available at 1-877-658-6837.