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Lawmakers plan to make changes to ballot redesign bill before voting – New Jersey Monitor


A special legislative committee focused on ballot design held its last hearing before voting on a bill to codify new ballot rules. The bill would bar candidates from using party names without consent and sparked controversy over potential effects on candidates backed by certain groups. The bill is intended to address a federal ruling that found New Jersey’s county-line system likely unconstitutional.
Witnesses urged the committee to revise provisions allowing candidates to be grouped on ballots for races with multiple seats to ensure voter choice. Advocates also praised provisions barring incongruous ballot positions and markers denoting incumbency. Some argued against rotating ballot positions, citing potential difficulties for candidates.
Lawmakers acknowledged the need for improvements in the bill but indicated certain changes, like computerized ballot draws and rotating ballot positions, may not be feasible for the 2025 primaries due to procurement rules. The Senate has not yet held hearings on ballot design but is expected to address the issue.
Advocates appreciated the opportunity for discussion and called for further improvements. The bill aims to modernize the state’s ballot design process and ensure neutrality in candidate placement. Despite some disagreements, there is general support for efforts to reform the ballot system to enhance voter choice and equity.

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Photo credit newjerseymonitor.com