Critics of county line celebrate end of yearslong legal fight

Yearslong litigation over the design of primary ballots that critics said put a thumb on the scale for party leaders is finally over.

By: Nikita Biryukov

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: August 4, 2026

Words: 958

Last Updated: 2 weeks ago

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A federal judge on Tuesday approved the final settlement ending litigation over a bespoke New Jersey ballot design the judge found was likely unconstitutional, capping a yearslong fight that has swelled primary candidacies in the Garden State.

The settlement between Sen. Andy Kim (D) and Bergen County Clerk John Hogan, the last constitutional officer to remain involved in the litigation, bars the county from using primary ballots that group candidates by party …

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