Overview

• New Jersey has eliminated the requirement for candidates to sign an oath containing 'so help me God' when filing for candidacy.
• The change was announced in a memo by Lauren Zyriek, acting director of the state’s Division of Elections, to all county clerks.
• The decision came after James Tosone, a 70-year-old resident planning to run for Congress as a Libertarian, filed a lawsuit against the state.
• Tosone, a nontheist, argued that the religious oath was against his conscience and caused him irreparable harm.
• After the change in policy, Tosone dropped his lawsuit.