What is the party line?

The “party line” or “the Line” is often discussed in New Jersey. Most county parties organize their ballots around party line, wherein the county branches of both major parties list their endorsed candidates in a vertical column or horizontal row. The format puts candidates not on the party line at a disadvantage because whoever ends up on the line with the most well-known candidate often wins. Other candidates are placed on other lines, sometimes far away from the main line, minimizing visibility. There is pending litigation challenging this practice. It is important to note that you do not have to vote for someone who is on the same “line” as the person above them or at the top of the ticket. Each race can and should be considered separately.