Bhalla Fought The Line, Jasey Won? Longshot Candidate Gets Top Ballot Spot; Voting Begins

NORTH JERSEY — Earlier this year, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and other prominent New Jersey politicians fought the "county line" system of giving preferential primary ballot positions to candidate endorsed by the local machine.

Bhalla's stance emerged after the Hudson County machine endorsed Bhalla's opponent — incumbent Rob Menendez Jr. — in the upcoming 8th District congressional Democratic primary.

Ironically, neither Bhalla nor Menendez got the top spot on the ballot in Tuesday's Democratic primary.

The longshot candidate from Jersey City, Kyle Jasey, is on top.

"This actually ended up working out exactly as I had planned," Jasey joked this week. "I planned to get really, really lucky."

He added, "All joking aside, this is how it should be. Ballot placement should be decided randomly, not by party bosses promoting their candidates."

A Rutgers study showed that the candidates at the top of the primary ballot get an advantage, especially when on the same line as the presidential candidate.

But what if they're facing two very well funded organizations?

Bhalla Has $2 Million

Bhalla boasted Friday that he has raised more than $2 million for the race.

Menendez has also raised more than $1 million.

Bhalla has criticized Menendez for taking money from political action committees, including $20,000 from one that supports his father, indicted U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez. In turn, Menendez Jr. has noted that many of Bhalla's contributions have come from California and other areas far from the district. Bhalla's social media posts and releases often address national, rather than local, issues, seemingly intended for the national stage.

"We are proud of the contributions we have received from people in 47 states who are excited about Ravi Bhalla's nationally recognized mayoral accomplishments and the new leadership he will provide in Congress," responded spokesman Rob Horowitz on Friday. "New Jersey, however, is by far the state where we have the most contributors and have raised the most funds."

Voting Begins Wednesday

Early voting begins Wednesday, May 29 in the Democratic and Republican primaries for Congress, Senate, and president.

For Hoboken voters, early voting runs through Sunday, June 2 in Hoboken City Hall's first-floor conference room (94 Washington St.). The early voting location will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary, the city said.

Unaffiliated voters are eligible to vote in person in either the Democratic or Republican Primary Election, by declaring their party at the polls during either early voting or on Election Day. Registered Democrats and Republicans are only permitted to vote in their party’s respective Primary Election.

Residents can also cast their ballot at their registered polling place on Tuesday, June 4. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling locations can be found at https://www.hobokennj.gov/polling-locations. See more about voting in Hoboken here.

Catch Up On The Race

• Jersey City, Hoboken Officials Make Endorsements In Race
• Husband Of Former Hoboken Mayor Zimmer Takes Shots At Bhalla. Here's Why.

New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District includes most of Hudson County (including Hoboken and Jersey City), as well as Elizabeth in Union County, and Newark's north and east wards.