This June, New Jersey voters will experience a change in the primary election process as they use a fair ballot system to elect gubernatorial and legislative candidates. This shift follows a federal judge’s ruling last spring that deemed the old county line primary ballots likely unconstitutional for favoring candidates supported by local party leaders. In March, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation mandating all 21 counties in New Jersey to adopt an office block primary ballot, similar to those used in most other states.
The elimination of the county line has already had a significant impact on this year’s elections. Many Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates have opted not to seek county party endorsements, which previously would have almost guaranteed their defeat without such support.
The end of the county line primary ballot has also led to more than twice as many contested legislative races compared to two years ago, despite a historic number of incumbent retirements in 2023 that should have encouraged more candidacies.
New Jersey’s history of non-competitive primaries was largely attributed to the county line primary ballot. Candidates who did not receive preferential positions often dropped out, resulting in primaries with predetermined outcomes.
This year sees six Democratic and five Republican candidates vying for governor. For the first time in decades, nearly any candidate could win—especially in the closely contested Democratic primary. Unlike previous New Jersey primaries, this one will be determined by voter turnout rather than party bosses.
However, there is concern that New Jersey voters accustomed to predetermined outcomes may not participate. Dr. Julia Sass Rubin emphasized that “Elections, both primary and general, have real consequences,” urging residents not to let others decide their future.
New Jersey residents have until Tuesday, May 20, to register for the June primary through various methods including in-person, mail or online registration. Voters must declare affiliation with either the Democratic or Republican party to participate. Although changing affiliation between parties is no longer possible for this election cycle, switching from unaffiliated status can be done until June 10.
Dr. Julia Sass Rubin serves as associate dean at Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and was an expert witness in the lawsuit leading to these changes.
