DeForest Soaries

DeForest Blake Soaries Jr. is an American politician, minister, and voting rights advocate who has significantly influenced election policy and administration in the United States. He served as the New Jersey Secretary of State from 1999 to 2002, where he earned recognition for his efforts to improve election systems and voting accessibility. Most notably, Soaries founded the Election Center and has been instrumental in advocating for improved voting procedures and election integrity. He served as a U.S. Senator in the New Jersey State Senate and has maintained an active role in both religious and civic leadership throughout his career. As a minister and educator, Soaries has combined his spiritual commitments with public service, addressing issues of social justice, voting rights, and democratic participation. His work in election administration came to particular prominence during the contested 2000 presidential election and its aftermath, when he championed reforms to ensure more reliable and accessible voting processes. Soaries continues to be recognized as an important voice in discussions about electoral systems and democratic access.