New Jersey Assembly Bill A1360

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Allows candidates for Senate and General Assembly to appear together in same nominating petition.

Impact

The amendment to R.S.19:13-4 and R.S.19:23-7, as proposed by A1360, does not alter the required number of signatures needed for nominating petitions. However, it eliminates the redundancy of separate petitions for candidates from the same party and district, thereby simplifying the procedures for candidates. This legislative change could encourage more candidates to run together, fostering strategic alliances during elections.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1360 introduces a significant change to the way candidates for the Senate and General Assembly can appear on nominating petitions in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill allows candidates from the same political party seeking nomination from the same legislative district to jointly appear on the same nominating petition. This change aims to facilitate collaboration among candidates, potentially streamlining the process of gathering signatures required for entry into elections.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards enhancing the electoral process, there may be discussions regarding the implications for individual candidates. Opponents could argue that this system may dilute individual candidate identities or create uneven advantages among candidates of the same party. The ability to appear together on a nomination petition could also influence campaign dynamics and voter perception in primary elections.