Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) and Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio (R-Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren) announced the creation of the Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design today. The bipartisan committee will have twelve members: six Democrats and six Republicans. The co-chairs of the committee will be Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) and Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-Bergen, Essex, and Passaic).
The Committee will be tasked with gathering expert testimony on ballot design throughout the United States, as well as reviewing lessons learned by elections officials during the 2024 Democratic Primary and in preparation for the 2024 General Election in New Jersey. The goal of the Committee will be to gather testimony, hear from the public, and study legislative changes that could bring New Jersey’s ballots into compliance with the Court order.
“We are committed to an open and bipartisan process that involves a review of ballots around the country and respects the decisions of the courts. We look forward to hearing from the public and the hardworking professionals who ensure we have fair elections and that ballots are counted accurately,” said Speaker Coughlin. “I want to thank the Assembly members from both parties who have agreed to serve on this committee, and we are eager to get to work.”
“This is a critical part of the process, and the Legislature is the right place to get it done,” said Minority Leader DiMaio. “Those with interest should testify before the committee instead of making comments on social media. The Speaker and I have made it clear from the start that we will lead an open and transparent process. Strengthening the integrity of our elections deserves serious discussion, and we’re ready to give it the attention it deserves.”
“Our highest responsibility is to ensure the integrity of our elections and our democratic process,” said Assemblyman Wimberly. “As co-chair, I will work with my colleagues on the select committee in a bipartisan manner and we will meet our obligation to serve and reflect our shared commitment to democratic values. I look forward to hearing from a wide range of advocates, experts, and concerned citizens as we gather information to make recommendations on our state’s ballot design.”
“I’m honored to co-chair this bipartisan committee to ensure fairness in ballot design,” said Assemblyman Barlas. “Public trust in our elections is critical, and we are eager to gather input from stakeholders before drafting any legislation. We owe it to every New Jersey voter to get this right.”
The Committee will hold several public hearings on ballot design. The first hearing will include non-partisan participation from an expert on nationwide ballot design as well as a bipartisan group of county election officials to discuss lessons learned from the 2024 Democratic Primary and what considerations must be taken into account to ensure a ballot is designed with New Jersey’s voting infrastructure in mind. The Committee will also hold multiple hearings in various parts of New Jersey to solicit opinions from members of the public.
The Democratic members of the Select Committee are:
Assemblyman Dan Hutchison (Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester), Assemblywoman Ellen Park (Bergen), Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (Essex, Hudson), Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (Hunterdon, Mercer) and Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez (Hudson).
The Republican members of the Select Committee are:
Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (Sussex, Morris, Warren), Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (Morris, Somerset, Union), Assemblyman Antwan L. McClellan (Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland), Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf (Ocean) and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (Monmouth).
Background:
On April 17, 2024, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a decision issued by U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi ordering a new ballot structure for the 2024 Democratic Primary election. The Democratic Primary was held on June 4 adhering to the order.
Prior to the ruling being issued, Speaker Coughlin and Minority Leader DiMaio called for “a public process on ballot design in New Jersey, including a thorough and thoughtful review of other states, as well as a process that involves input from the public.”
Assemblymembers Kevin Coughlin and Maria DiMaio have recently announced the creation of a new Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design. This committee will focus on improving the design of ballots used in elections to ensure clarity, accessibility, and fairness for all voters.
The importance of ballot design cannot be overstated. A well-designed ballot can help voters easily navigate their choices and accurately cast their votes. On the other hand, a poorly designed ballot can lead to confusion, errors, and even disenfranchisement.
One of the key goals of the new committee is to address issues such as font size, spacing, and layout that can impact the readability of a ballot. By studying best practices in ballot design and consulting with experts in the field, the committee aims to develop guidelines and recommendations for improving the design of ballots used in elections.
In addition to improving readability, the committee will also focus on ensuring that ballots are accessible to all voters, including those with disabilities. This may involve exploring options such as braille ballots, audio ballots, or other accommodations to ensure that every voter can participate in the electoral process.
Furthermore, the committee will work to address concerns about ballot security and integrity. By examining ways to prevent tampering or fraud through ballot design, the committee hopes to increase confidence in the electoral process and promote trust in election outcomes.
Overall, the creation of the Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design represents a positive step towards enhancing the voting experience for all New Yorkers. By prioritizing clarity, accessibility, and fairness in ballot design, the committee aims to ensure that every voter can participate in elections with confidence and ease.
