Montclair Op-Ed: Create ‘Fair Ballots’ For Future Elections

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following letter to the editor comes courtesy of the League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

On December 2, 2024, the New Jersey Legislature’s Assembly Committee on Ballot Design will hold a virtual hearing to hear the public’s views on adopting a fair and neutral ballot design for future elections. The League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area, alongside many partners, members, and volunteers have been advocating for a fair, neutral, and accessible ballot design that does not exert undue influence over voters’ selections.

As the New Jersey Legislature takes up the task of redesigning our ballots, it is essential that they strive to create a fair ballot that offers all candidates an equal opportunity to be elected. The best way to do this is to implement an office block layout. The current county line layout highlights candidates who have party backing. In the office block design, candidates’ names would be listed in random order and organized by the office they are seeking, not by party endorsement.

A fair ballot is a simple ballot that is clear and easy to understand and accessible to all voters without unnecessary design elements that could influence voters’ choices. A neutral ballot is essential for fair elections and advantages must not be given to party backed candidates.

To achieve the truly transparent redesign process that the committee members have said they value, public hearings are essential. Any proposed legislation should reflect the will of the voters and be shared with the public with ample notice and opportunity to comments on the legislation.

We urge the New Jersey Legislature to prioritize these changes and create a fair and transparent voting environment that honors voters and the democratic process. We also urge voters to attend the virtual committee meeting on December 2 and to petition their legislators.

• See Related: New Jersey GOP, Dems Launch Groundbreaking Ballot Design Committee
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• See Related: Montclair 2024 School Board Election Results Certified (See Final Tallies)

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