STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY

New Jersey’s reputation as a machine state is well earned. On top of our dishonest political class, we have the most corrupt ballot design in the entire country.

New Jersey’s corrupt political machine actively works to undermine democracy statewide. Here, patronage and cronyism–not voters–decide the fate of our communities.

Just like our national democracy harmed by the highly outdated electoral college, voter suppression of voters of color, and gerrymandering, our state suffers from a ballot design that rewards those already in power and hinders those brave enough to challenge the establishment.

I have made it my business to fight back against the most potent machine bosses in the state.

As the Legislative Director of Working Families New Jersey, I fought for a fairer democracy in New Jersey by pushing to abolish our corrupt ballot design and put an end to the systems of patronage and cronyism that run rampant throughout our state.

As the creator and host of Upfront NOW! I gave ordinary people a platform to share their stories, as well as solidly left political and social news in New Jersey.

As a lifelong political organizer, I’ve worked across the country and the world highlighting and combating injustice wherever I’ve found it.

And now, as your Congresswoman, I pledge to be a resounding patron of democracy and democratic values. I will:

  • Use the powers bestowed to Congress under the Elections Clause to ensure that ballots nationwide are constructed in a manner that will allow every American to run for office free from discrimination and corruption.
  • Support legislation like the For The People Act so that access to voting through automatic, online, and same-day voter registration can become a reality in our nation.
  • Protect voters from manipulative and discriminatory voter purges so that corrupt politicians can no longer suppress the right to vote.
  • Work with my fellow Democrats in Congress to eliminate the electoral college so voters have accurate representation under our democracy.
  • End Jim Crow-era voting limitations and restore the right to vote to those who've had it stripped away.
  • Ensure that self-interested politicians do not diminish the power of entire communities by requiring that commission meetings for redistricting be open to the public with at least three opportunities for public comment on new proposed districts.
  • Work to pass state and federal law with firm requirements on the number of polling locations per registered voter and the notice needed to be given before changing those polling locations to prevent the Jim Crowe-era tactics of forcing voters to wait in line for eight hours to vote.
  • Fight to bring the much needed funding required so that polling locations are equipped with up-to-date equipment to allow people to vote easily and efficiently.