Program Summary
The Voters' Right Project ("VRP") is a non-partisan, pro bono program of Rutgers School of Law - Camden, stemming out of the efforts of law students in 2004 to create a project mirroring the national Election Protection program. Today, VRP has grown into a multi-faceted initiative, working side-by-side with the Camden County Board of Elections to improve voting conditions in Camden City; collecting data on voter participation and generating targeted strategies to help engage voters in the electoral process in the City; and seeking to promote greater pro bono and public service involvement from the law school community.

Goals
1. Voter Access
The founding goal of VRP was to ensure that Camden voters had equal access to the polls, a goal that the program continues to maintain as its central focus today. Through an ongoing relationship with the Camden County Board of Elections, VRP was permitted to observe the voting process firsthand in November 2007 and to log detailed observations on various areas of the voting process corresponding with New Jersey election law. VRP is dedicated to continue engaging in this process in forthcoming elections in an effort to work with the Camden County Board of Elections to maintain and improve voter access in Camden City.
2. Voter Participation
As a program focused on, founded and run in Camden City, VRP is dedicated to playing its part in encouraging greater voter participation in a city characterized by hardship. VRP desires to help convince Camden residents that their voice counts and that voting will help to ensure that they are heard. To be heard effectively, however, Camden voters must vote in greater numbers. Sadly, only fifty percent of registered voters in Camden City participated in the presidential election of 2004, a number that is dramatically higher than for non-presidential elections. VRP plans to continue to grow its voice in the community by organizing voter registration drives and educational programs within Camden high schools.
3. Pro Bono Service
The American Bar Association encourages all attorneys to participate in fifty hours of pro bono service each year. VRP strives to encourage student service through participation in pro bono election law projects and by harnessing student potential to play an active role in ensuring that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

Commitment to the Camden County Board of Elections
In partnering with the Camden County Board of Elections to create the position of "Educational Observer" for election-day monitoring, VRP agreed that it would maintain an ongoing relationship of trust with the Board. This commitment includes our promise to refrain from the release of monitoring results to the media or other outside sources and to demand the same courtesy of our volunteers. VRP believes that it is most effective and responsible to work side by side with the Board to correct any deficiencies and achieve our common goals of increasing voter awareness, education and participation, and is grateful for the opportunity to do so.

Questions or Concerns
Please contact Voter's Rights Project Board Members, Kate Reilly and Erik Solivan, or Voter's Rights Project Co-Coordinators, Matt DePasquale and Daniel Gamer.