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.
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In the Middle with Joey Bloch: Julia Sass Rubin Talks County Organizational Line
Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Public Policy Associate Dean Julia Sass Rubin joins Joey to discuss the Third Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the decision to strike down the County Organizational Line for this year’s Democratic Primary, the upcoming case that could get rid of it permanently and how to engage the average voter in an office block system.
Rubin Op Ed: What Must Be Done to Turn New Jersey into a Real Democracy?
“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.”
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.
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.”
Upcoming Events
Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement 2024
SHI StadiumJoin us for the 258th Anniversary Commencement at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at SHI Stadium, starting at 10 a.m. President Jonathan Holloway will preside over […]
Bloustein School Convocation
Jersey Mike's Arena 83 Rockefeller Road, Piscataway, NJ, United StatesThe formal BLOUSTEIN SCHOOL CONVOCATION ceremony will recognize each graduate individually with pomp and circumstance. Students will cross the stage and have their names read as they are recognized. Seating is general […]
Dissertation Proposal: Pixels, Plates, and Pesos: On Digital Food Delivery Platforms and Socio-Economic Change in the Philippines
Virtualpresented by Nasha Virata
Implications of Robotics for Public Policy
VirtualThis presentation offers a systematic analysis of the emerging routes by which applications of embodied artificial intelligence—robotics—elicit public policy responses.
2024 Transit-Oriented Development Symposium
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesRegistration is now open for the 2024 TOD Symposium. This free full-day event will be held in person on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Edward J. Bloustein School of […]