The leaders of a special state Assembly committee in New Jersey are considering changes to the state's ballot design. While they claim to keep an open mind, early hearings suggest some members may favor features that critics argue could benefit certain candidates. This issue is particularly relevant as committee members themselves might be among the first to run on the new ballot in upcoming elections.
During recent hearings, the potential for a different ballot design has sparked debate among advocates who wish to eliminate any preferential treatment for candidates. Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-40th), co-chair of the select committee, questioned several speakers about their opinions on Connecticut's ballot system. This system uses rows and columns and lists party-endorsed candidates first during general elections.
Julia Sass Rubin, an associate professor at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, criticized Connecticut's approach as "very unfair." She advocated for an office-block ballot that only includes candidates' names in primaries and adds party labels in general elections. In response to Barlas's query about her preference between a "horrible" or "terrible" ballot, Rubin stated, “I would say, let’s go for a fair ballot.”
