Bill > A5116

This bill comprehensively reforms primary election ballot design and procedures in New Jersey, with several key provisions. The bill establishes new design standards for primary election ballots, requiring candidates to be arranged in an "office block" format where each office has a distinct section, with candidates listed uniformly and without visual distinctions between them. Candidates will now have a standardized ballot position determined within their own office, eliminating previous practices where a candidate's ballot position could be influenced by candidates in other offices. The legislation also removes State committee members from being elected during primary elections, instead allowing county committee members to elect them according to party bylaws. Additionally, the bill requires the Division of Elections to collect and report data on the implementation of these new ballot design changes, including experiences of election officials, candidates, and voters, and potential implementation costs. The bill aims to reduce voter confusion, improve ballot readability, and ensure a more straightforward primary election process by creating a more consistent and user-friendly ballot design. This reform was developed after consultation with election officials, national election experts, and members of the public, and seeks to address previous legal challenges related to ballot design that raised concerns about potential First Amendment issues.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5116