Permits party member, candidate, or designee to be present for ballot position draw and inspect materials used for drawing; requires officials conducting ballot draw to provide notice of date, time, and location of drawing.
Impact
If enacted, S3598 would amend existing election laws in New Jersey, particularly concerning how candidates' names are drawn and positioned on ballots. By mandating candidate presence and inspection of materials involved in the drawing process, it directly affects the transparency of electoral procedures and strengthens candidates' rights to monitor the drawing of their respective positions. This may lead to enhanced trust in the electoral system and could set precedents for similar reforms in other states as well.
Summary
Senate Bill S3598, introduced by Senator Joseph Pennacchio, focuses on ensuring the transparency and participation of electoral candidates during the process of drawing lots for ballot positions. The bill allows candidates or their designated representatives to be present during the drawing process, where the order of names for the primary, general, or school board elections is determined. It aims to foster an environment where candidates can have confidence in the integrity of the electoral process by permitting them to inspect the materials and procedures involved in the drawing of their ballot positions.
Contention
While the bill appears to strengthen the electoral process, potential points of contention could arise regarding the allocation of resources needed to accommodate candidates at the drawing events. Critics may also argue that requiring candidates’ presence at the drawing could lead to logistical challenges or unfair advantages for more established candidates who might have better resources for attendance. Nonetheless, supporters assert that this transparency is vital for the electoral integrity and accountability in the election process.
Same As
Permits party member, candidate, or designee to be present for ballot position draw and inspect materials used for drawing; requires officials conducting ballot draw to provide notice of date, time, and location of drawing.
Permits party member, candidate, or designee to be present for ballot position draw and inspect materials used for drawing; requires officials conducting ballot draw to provide notice of date, time, and location of drawing.
Requires computerized drawing system to determine random order of candidate names for each office on primary and general election ballots; provides for drawing to be viewable in person or electronically.
In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.
In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.
Relating to the drawing of district boundaries. Providing that no district boundaries shall be drawn in a way that favors or disfavors any political party or candidate.
Provides relative to sentencing and treatment of certain offenders convicted of certain violations of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law (EN DECREASE GF EX See Note)