Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz is expected to use office block voting for both the Democratic and Republican primaries, setting up a fight with the county GOP organization, which wants to preserve their organization line, the New Jersey Globe has learned.
The move follows a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi mandating that clerks eliminate lines for Democrats. One day later, Quaraishi specifically stated that his ruling didn’t apply to Republicans but suggested that county clerks have the discretion to do their own thing.
Office block ballots potentially impact the GOP U.S. Senate race, where the Burlington Republicans are backing Curtis Bashaw, and in the race for Andy Kim’s 3rd district House seat, where organization candidate Rajesh Mohan faces a primary challenge from Shirley Maia-Cusick and others.
Deputy County Clerk Jalen Singleton told municipal clerks this afternoon that Schwartz will also handle all draws for local offices.
“After consulting with legal counsel and considering the multiple questions and concerns we have received from municipal clerks regarding efficiency and accuracy, the Burlington County Clerk’s office will assume the responsibility of performing a ballot draw for municipal offices,” Singleton said.
Earlier this week, Hudson County Clerk Junior Maldonado had mulled office block ballots for both parties.
Schwartz is set to draw ballots at 3 PM.