An op-ed by Hudson County, NJ politicians Steven M. Fulop, Angela McKnight, and Raj Mukherji, argues for the abolition of the practice of “the line” in New Jersey’s primary elections, which grants significant advantages to candidates endorsed by county political parties. Highlighting the findings of Bloustein School professor Julia Sass Rubin, the authors emphasize the disproportionate advantage the line gives incumbents and favored candidates.
They propose a ballot design change that would still allow party endorsements to be communicated but would reduce the influence of political bosses. While acknowledging their own past reliance on the line, particularly as candidates of color, they advocate for reform in the interest of democracy and fair elections.