January 10, 2022

NEWARK – In response to the release of more detailed data regarding the congressional district map certified by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and voting rights advocate Juan Cartagena today expressed concern about the reduction in populations of color in several New Jersey congressional districts.  

In the 8th Congressional District, the Hispanic population of voting age was reduced to under 50%, raising serious concerns under the Voting Rights Act and Supreme Court precedent, given that the Latina/o population currently controls the district. 

In the 12th Congressional District, the Black population was significantly reduced from the current map.  

In the 6th and 12th Congressional Districts, the Asian American population was also reduced, keeping the Asian American community “cracked” into several districts, thereby diluting their power.