New Jersey to Overhaul Ballot Design After Federal Court Ruling

A landmark decision mandates the state to abandon its traditional 'county line' ballot system, aiming to level the electoral playing field.

U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi ruled that New Jersey must scrap its 'county line' ballot system, criticized for favoring establishment candidates.
The ruling requires ballots to be redesigned before the June primaries, challenging a practice that has significantly influenced election outcomes.
Candidates will now be listed by the offices they're running for, rather than by party endorsement, in a move towards more equitable elections.
The decision was hailed by progressives and anti-establishment activists as a step toward fairer elections, despite concerns about its implementation timing.
The ruling could reshape New Jersey's political landscape, potentially increasing the number of candidates and altering the dynamics of party primaries.