S2653

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ronald L. Rice which would extend the deadline for filing nominating petitions each year that new legislative districts are drawn was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 32-1.

“This legislation would ensure that candidates running in a primary are given a fair chance to be heard, and are able to consider district boundary changes and put together a slate to run with during a redistricting year,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “During redistricting, off-the-line candidates are sometimes at a disadvantage, with a shortened primary schedule and less time to find and recruit running mates to fill their line, resulting in their being given unfavorable position on the ballot. This bill guarantees that all candidates – Democratic or Republican – have an equal opportunity in the primary election, whether they’re supported by the county party organization or not.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ronald L. Rice which would extend the deadline for filing nominating petitions each year that new legislative districts are drawn was approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee by a vote of 3-1.

“This bill is about fairness to the candidates running in a primary, so that they have enough time to consider district boundary changes and to put together a slate to run during a redistricting year,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “Because the primary schedule is shortened during redistricting, candidates running off the line are put at a disadvantage, and if they don’t have a slate to run against the party line, they’re essentially buried on the ballot. This bill ensures that all candidates – Democratic and Republican – have a shot, whether you’re supported by your county party organization or not.”