Trenton, NJ – The Republican National Committee, New Jersey Republican Party, and local GOP leaders are backing a lawsuit to block what they call an unlawful and deceptive ballot design for the upcoming general election in Gloucester County.
Ballot format sparks legal fight
Filed under Sammons v. Hogan, the lawsuit challenges Clerk James Hogan’s decision to abandon the county’s decades-old column-style ballot, traditionally used to organize candidates by party. Instead, officials approved a block-style layout after the official ballot drawing on August 11.
Republicans argue the change is designed to confuse voters and dilute the strength of the GOP’s Column A campaign branding. They say the format shift undermines transparency and violates state election law.
GOP leaders blast Democrats
“Ballots are supposed to be neutral tools of democracy,” said NJGOP Chairman Glenn Paulsen, accusing Democrats of deliberately manipulating the design to undercut Republican candidates. Paulsen claimed GOP gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli is expected to win Gloucester County by a wide margin, with potential coattail effects on Assembly and County Commissioner races.
Paulsen tied the issue to what he described as a broader pattern of misconduct by Democrats, saying: “From Washington to Gloucester, Democrats can’t win on merit, so they cheat.”
Stakes high ahead of November
The lawsuit notes that more than 32,000 vote-by-mail ballots have already been mailed using the disputed design. Republicans are seeking an injunction to halt printing, mailing, and programming of ballots until the format complies with state law.
“This is a deliberate deception tactic,” Paulsen said. “Gloucester voters know better. They deserve lawful ballots, fair elections, and a government that works for the people.”
Key Points
- Republicans filed suit against Gloucester County Clerk James Hogan over a ballot format change.
- GOP leaders say shifting from column-style to block-style ballots is unlawful and designed to confuse voters.
- The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop ballot printing and mailing until the design is changed.
With Election Day looming, the courtroom may decide how Gloucester voters see their ballots.