SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey is the only state with a county line ballot system, which provides prime positioning for candidates favored by local party leaders. Congressman Andy Kim said it gives insiders an unconstitutional and unfair advantage.
“In New Jersey, voters don’t want to be told who to vote for,” he said. “They want to make up their own mind, and that’s what this is all about.”
Kim brought this case to federal court, alleging the state’s current format is unfair. A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments Friday on the constitutionality of New Jersey’s unique ballot structure used in primary elections.
“You have just a handful of people — in some counties, just one person — that is able to determine which candidate gets preferential placement. That’s too much power for any person to have,” he said.
🎧 KYW Newsradio In Depth
The suit started when Kim ran against the governor’s wife, Tammy Murphy, to replace Sen. Bob Menendez. Some county officials lined up to support her — until she ultimately dropped out.
County officials in favor of the county line system say many voters don’t want to research candidates themselves, so they prefer to see who has been vetted by their party.
The federal appeals court can choose to uphold the previous judge’s ruling — preventing ballot bracketing in the Democratic primary this year only — or reverse it. Kim said lawmakers in New Jersey will ultimately have to come up with a new system if judges rule that it is indeed unconstitutional.
“Seeking the permanent change that we deserve to have going forward — not just for 2024, but forever,” he added.
A ruling is expected within a few days, according to sources.