Sue Altman, a candidate in this year’s 12th Congressional District race in central New Jersey, helped lead the legal effort to end the “county line,” a ballot system that made it harder for outsiders and reformers to compete in primaries. The removal of this system has led to an increase in candidates running for office, creating more open and competitive contests. This change was highlighted on May 11 by those involved with the reform.
The issue is significant because it changes how elections are conducted, giving voters more choices and potentially increasing participation. Previously, most primary contests were considered uncompetitive and had low turnout due to the advantages given by the county line system.
Julia Sass Rubin, associate dean of academic programs at Rutgers’ Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, who has endorsed Altman, said: “If you assume that the county line would have given those people a huge advantage, you would essentially come down to who came from the largest piece of the district.”
Sass Rubin also said: “Right now is that a better system than allowing the voters to decide who’s going to win by actually choosing from the candidates? I would argue not.” She worked with Altman on efforts to remove the county line system.
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy is part of Rutgers University and focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable and healthy communities at local, national and global levels; it operates research centers focused on community development, transportation, health, workforce development and energy policy; its graduate urban planning program holds third place nationally while its undergraduate public health program ranks fourth; Stuart Shapiro became dean in 2023; since 2013 it has recognized distinguished alumni through its Hall of Fame as well as annual achievement awards dating back to 1994,according to the official website.
Observers will be watching how these changes affect future elections as new candidates continue entering races once dominated by incumbents.
