“First and foremost, candidate order matters. There is a rich literature around what is known as the primacy effect that indicates being first on the ballot is helpful. To counter this effect, many states randomize the order of candidate names by voting district. This is easily done by computer and the process of ballot creation is quick, inexpensive, and fair.”
Topic
Posts
The End of the Line: New Jersey ballots change for the better
We should recognize just how low the bar is right now, and how dysfunctional democracy in New Jersey—and in the United States more generally—is likely to remain for the foreseeable future. – Matt Mazewski
NJ residents want transparency in government. That much is clear
“I do think that there is an opening for real reforms,” Rubin said. “I’m not naïve. I don’t think it’s like a switch is going to go off.”
Rubin Opinion: Making New Jersey a real democracy
Taken together, these five reforms would help vanquish the powerful grip that political machines have long had on our state.
Despite big changes, those who make N.J.’s laws still don’t reflect the state’s diversity
New Jersey is widely considered one of the most diverse states in the nation — but even after an election last year that brought big changes, most of the county leaders who make decisions are white men, notes Julia Sass Rubin.
New Jersey’s electoral process just got upended
Party leaders give preferential placement to their candidates. Those not on the county line are tucked away in obscure rows and columns. Julia Sass Rubin of Rutgers University
looked at 20 years of New Jersey races and found that the county line steered voters and helped preferred candidates by an average difference of 38%.
County clerks forge ahead with new ballot design
New Jersey Democratic primary voters will see ballots that look very different from what they are used to and also different from the ones Republican voters will see. County clerks are designing ballots for the June election to comply with the recent federal court...
Julia Rubin and Rutgers Experts Make History on Party Line
“One of the impacts of the county line has been discouraging those who do not receive the party’s endorsement from running. Candidates understand that running off the line is ineffective so they tend to drop out if they are not selected for the line.”
Could the end of the NJ county line doom county political machines? Some wonder
“I think people will start to speak up and you’ll see more people entering contests,” said Julia Sass Rubin. “You will see more pushback … We’ll see more bravery.”
‘School choice’ bill is effort to create a voucher program in New Jersey, critics say
“This is a time when our public schools are hurting. A third of our schools are facing teacher layoffs right now … and the Legislature can’t bring itself to figure out how to solve that problem. But 14 Democrats introduced this piece of garbage,” said Julia Sass Rubin
Upcoming Events
Loading view.
Laundry Literacy Initiative: Spanish Book Drive for New Brunswick Families
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesJoin us for the Laundry Literacy Initiative: Spanish Book Drive for New Brunswick Families, supporting the Wash and Learn Program at Roosevelt Elementary School. Founded by Ms. Anne-Marie, a dedicated […]
Bloustein DEIB Committee Holiday Toy Drive
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesThe Bloustein School Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee invites you to participate in a Holiday Toy Drive benefitting the Harmony Family Success Center. Donate new, unwrapped toys for kids […]
Virtual Career Drop-ins
VirtualStop by virtually on Mondays (except for holidays) beginning September 9th through December 16th between 11 am and 1 pm to ask a quick (15 min) career-related question of Bloustein […]
Bloustein Librarian Open Office Hours
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesHave a research or library question you need assistance with? Visit Open Office Hours with Bloustein Librarian Julia Maxwell. Every Monday from 12:00 - 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted. Can't […]
Virtual Career Drop-ins
VirtualStop by virtually on Mondays (except for holidays) beginning September 9th through December 16th between 11 am and 1 pm to ask a quick (15 min) career-related question of Bloustein […]