On Friday, a federal judge mandated New Jersey to abandon its distinctive primary ballot design, which favors party-backed candidates, potentially disrupting the state’s political landscape significantly.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi in Trenton, marked a triumph for Democratic U.S. Representative Andy Kim, who, along with two congressional candidates, had filed a lawsuit earlier this year against various county clerks, alleging the ballot design’s unconstitutionality.
The contentious ballot format, utilized in 19 out of the state’s 21 counties, arranged candidates endorsed by county party leaders in a single column, purportedly granting them greater visibility and an advantage. Candidates lacking such endorsements risked being relegated to less conspicuous parts of the ballot.
Kim, a Democrat vying for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by indicted Senator Bob Menendez, initiated legal action alongside U.S. House of Representatives candidates Sarah Schoengood and Carolyn Rush.
They contended that the ballot design slated for use in the June 4 primary violated their First Amendment right to associate with other candidates and exceeded the state’s authority to regulate federal elections.
Judge Quraishi, appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, concurred, affirming that the plaintiffs had presented compelling evidence of their rights being infringed. While acknowledging that ordering a redesign was an exceptional measure, he noted that the counties would suffer minimal harm by adopting a new design.
“The integrity of the democratic process for a primary election is at stake,” wrote Quraishi.
He mandated the adoption of a ballot organized by the sought office, employing a randomized system to provide each candidate an equal opportunity to appear first on the ballot.
Kim hailed the decision as “a victory for a fairer, more democratic politics in New Jersey.”
Defense attorneys refrained from commenting on the ruling.
For months, Kim had been anticipated to contend against Tammy Murphy, wife of Democratic New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy, in the Democratic primary.
However, Murphy withdrew her Senate candidacy, likely clearing the path for Kim to secure the nomination. Menendez recently announced he would not seek reelection as a Democrat but hinted at a potential independent candidacy.
Menendez faces federal charges alleging bribery from New Jersey businessmen to obstruct law enforcement investigations and illegal representation of the Egyptian government, among others. He has pleaded not guilty.
