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
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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.
NJSPL – Extreme Heat, Coastal Flooding, and Health Disparities
New Jersey is facing a myriad of climate challenges, many of which are linked to particularly problematic public health effects. Unfortunately, the state’s elderly population is uniquely vulnerable to these public health implications, and the population only continues to grow.
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%.
NJSPL – Newark Community-Based Organizers’ Perspectives
What can we do about young adults who are disengaged and not enrolling in college? In this NJSPL blog, representatives of community-based organizations identify barriers that Newark youth face in planning for Higher Education and their future (e.g., limited finances, difficulties completing the FAFSA,
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.”
Upcoming Events
New Jersey Digital Government Summit
The War Memorial, Trenton, NJ 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton, United StatesThe Digital Government Summit brings together technology focused public-sector professionals with leading industry partners to connect on innovative approaches, get inspired and discover new technologies. Join us and let’s improve […]
Virtual Information Session: Master of Health Administration
VirtualYou are cordially invited to join us at this virtual informational session for the Rutgers – Bloustein School’s Master of Health Administration (MHA) program during the Spring 2024 semester. We […]
AI Through a Rutgers Lens (Microsoft) Part 3
Microsoft, 885 2nd Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10017 885 Second Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, NY, United StatesPlease join us as we explore the world of AI with help from Rutgers experts who wrestle with these questions daily.
Socially Cognizant Robotics: Preparing for a future in which humans and robots regularly interact and society develops new rules.
Jersey City Alumni Mixer
Zeppelin Hall Biergarten 88 Liberty View Dr, Jersey City, New JerseyJoin us for an alumni mixer in #JerseyCity on Thursday, June 6th at Zeppelin Hall Biergarten. Parking for Zeppelin Hall is FREE - more information can be found here: https://zeppelinhall.com/map/. This […]
Virtual Information Session: Graduate Program in Public Policy
VirtualLearn more about the curriculum for our master's degrees in public policy, as well as our graduate certificate, how to apply, career services support for students, and scholarship opportunities.