House of Representatives member Andy Kim (D-NJ 3rd District), aiming to become the first Korean-American in the U.S. Senate, has secured a victory in the ‘county line ballot’ lawsuit before the Democratic primary in June.
On March 29, a U.S. District Judge granted a preliminary injunction against New Jersey’s ‘county line ballot’ practice, following claims from Kim and fellow congressional candidates. Kim argued that the ‘county line ballot’ undermines democracy and the Constitution’s essence.
In New Jersey, 19 out of 21 counties use a system where party-endorsed candidates are positioned on a prominent ‘county line,’ enhancing their visibility and vote potential. Conversely, non-endorsed candidates are relegated to less visible “Siberian” slots, diminishing their chances.
Kim stated, “Today’s decision is a victory for fairer, more democratic politics in New Jersey. It’s the culmination of tireless efforts by grassroots activists who challenged an undemocratic system that silenced voters’ voices and worked diligently for change.”
Kim initiated the lawsuit while competing for the Senate seat against Tammy Murphy, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s wife. Following her unexpected withdrawal on March 24, Kim is now poised to clinch the Democratic nomination. Despite this, he remains committed to addressing the county line ballot system’s inequities.
BY EUNBYUL KIM, JUNHAN PARK [kim.eb@koreadailyny.com]
