New Jersey Eliminates 'So Help Me God' Oath for Candidates

The change follows a lawsuit by a potential Libertarian candidate who objected to the religious oath.

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.