In the lead-up to the federal District Court hearing on Monday, March 18th, 2024, NOW-NJ President Jill LaZare has made a fervent plea for the abolishment of the ‘County Line’ system of ballot rigging in New Jersey politics.
LaZare’s statement comes as part of a broader push for increased democracy and transparency in the state’s electoral processes, at the same time that Senator Britnee N. Timberlake joined the opposition to New Jersey’s unfair system, declaring that, “Ballot line placement should not be a reason to vote for someone.”
“I am strongly advocating for a uniform office block design ballot across all counties in New Jersey,” said Timberlake. “This is the process used in 49 other states and two (New Jersey) counties.”
“New Jersey has long had the reputation of being a corrupt state, controlled by party bosses. And that reputation has been well-earned,” remarked LaZare, a former legislative candidate who highlighted the entrenched influence of a select few in steering political outcomes.
LaZare emphasized the urgent need for a level playing field in primary elections, calling the County Line system a tool that perpetuates the dominance of a small group, primarily consisting of white men, in determining candidates’ placement on the ballot.
Rep. Andy Kim filed the federal lawsuit challenging New Jersey’s county line — the ballot positions given to candidates preferred by party leaders — after his attempt to court political bosses in the most populated counties fell flat.
In his federal lawsuit, Kim calls for changes to the design of New Jersey ballots ahead of a contentious primary in June against the state’s first lady, Tammy Murphy.
Along with civil rights hero Larry Hamm, labor advocate Patricia Campos-Medina, Kim and Murphy are vying for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Bob Menendez.
Kim, who is joined in the suit by two South Jersey congressional candidates, alleges that the ballot design creates an unfair advantage for candidates awarded the preferential placement by party bosses.
The lawsuit names 19 of the state’s 21 county clerks as defendants.
According to LaZare, ballot rigging not only skews election results but also binds elected officials to the interests of the powerful few who endorse them.
“It is past time for democracy to enter New Jersey politics and to finally end the control by a few, mostly white, men. There is no time to delay for primary candidates to have a level playing field on the ballot,” LaZare asserted, underlining the importance of fair and equitable electoral processes.
LaZare further criticized the current state of affairs, stating, “I have often said that it is amazing that anything good is achieved in a state run by powerful people who care more about preserving their own power than in getting things done.”
She pointed out that elected officials indebted to the County Line system may prioritize the interests of party leaders over the needs of their constituents.
Highlighting the potential impact of reform, LaZare suggested that fair elections could pave the way for legislative changes that benefit the broader population, such as raising the minimum wage to support working families adequately.
LaZare’s call to end the County Line system and promote fair ballots reflects a growing sentiment among activists and reform advocates in New Jersey who seek to enhance democratic participation and accountability in state politics.
The upcoming federal District Court hearing is anticipated to draw attention to these issues, providing a platform for discussions on electoral reform and transparency in New Jersey’s political landscape.