New Jersey has its first competitive primary in decades without the county line

For the first time in decades, New Jersey candidates do not have to secure endorsements from county parties to have a shot at winning their primary. And for the first time in nearly a century, New Jersey has a competitive gubernatorial primary.

For decades, 19 of New Jersey’s 21 counties used the “county-line” ballot system. The county line placed party-backed candidates in one row or column with other candidates placed somewhere else on the ballot in what is sometimes called “ballot Siberia.” Studies confirmed that candidates highlighted in the county line are more likely to be elected.