Lawmakers in Trenton voted unanimously to release an amended bill that would abolish New Jersey’s so-called county line primary ballot — long wielded as a political tool by party bosses who sometimes banished opponents to so-called “ballot Siberia.” Instead, New Jersey voters would find candidates clearly grouped under the office they seek. But the devil’s still in the details, especially over use of ballot slogans…
“Candidates could put, ‘Endorsed by Mercer County Democrats,’ says Bloustein School Professor Julia Sass Rubin. “There’s nothing in the bill I could find that prohibits that. And so it becomes a very visible cue on the ballot — which is the whole point of eliminating the county line.”
The bill also lets county clerks reject slogans and candidates could appeal, but advocates want more — including a booklet with information about each candidate or a website where information can be found.