On Election Day, Attorney General Platkin Unveils Primary Election Safeguards for Voter Protection.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced a series of strategic measures today as part of the Voter Protection Initiative for the 2023 primary election. These safeguards aim to ensure the conduct of a fair, free, and smooth election while preserving the right to vote and assisting in promptly addressing any emergent voting-related legal concerns.
On Election Day, Tuesday, June 6, and throughout the preceding early voting period, divisions within the Department of Law and Public Safety—including the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) and Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA)—will be actively involved in maintaining the integrity of the elections across the State of New Jersey.
"Voting is a cornerstone of democracy. We are committed to ensuring fair elections, resolving voting-related legal matters promptly, and preserving the rights of all New Jerseyans," said Attorney General Platkin. "Our dedicated efforts will protect voters from intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, holding accountable those who seek to disrupt the process."
As part of these efforts, the Department has updated its webpage to provide residents with vital resources and frequently asked questions regarding voting rights. This portal will assist voters in reporting any issues encountered during early voting or on Election Day.
These efforts mark the continuation of the Voter Protection Initiative, first launched in October 2022. Under this initiative, the Office of the Attorney General and the DCR will identify and address any voting rights or civil rights violations, consistent with the New Jersey Civil Rights Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
Any instances of discrimination or harassment related to voting can be reported to the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights through the NJ BIAS online portal or by calling 1-800-277-BIAS (1-800-277-2427).
Additionally, OPIA will keep a close eye on claims of voter intimidation, electioneering, elections fraud, and other criminal violations. Reports of election interference will be directed to appropriate local and federal law enforcement agencies.
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) will be vigilant in monitoring both cyber and physical election security threats.
Last year, OPIA issued the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Guidance for Elections to local law enforcement officials statewide. AG Platkin reminds the public that soliciting or electioneering within a “protective zone” extending 100 feet from the outside entrance of any polling site is a criminal offense.
The Division of Law will deploy a dedicated team of attorneys to address inquiries from county elections officials. This proactive measure ensures swift and equitable access to voting for all eligible individuals, in line with New Jersey’s election laws.
The New Jersey Division of Elections website provides a comprehensive list of county-level election office contacts and other useful elections-related information.
Members of the public can direct election-related questions to their County Superintendent of Elections and County Board of Elections.
Anyone experiencing interference with their right to vote or wishing to report other voting-related issues can call the State’s Voter Information and Assistance line toll-free at 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837).
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