Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

College/School

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department/Program

Political Science and Law

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Fanny Lauby

Committee Member

Antoinette Pole

Committee Member

Jackie Vimo

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between ballot design and party primaries, specifically in New Jersey following the 2024 change from a “party line” ballot structured by rows and columns to an office-block ballot. The history of the “line” is examined, with attention given to the events that led to a court-ordered and legislature-led redesign. The literature review discusses the impact of the ballot, in terms of ballot effects, candidate emergence, and the impacts of local party influence. The methods section discusses the process used to recruit and interview study participants, followed by an analysis of candidate experiences during the primary and comparison with historical data. I find that the adoption of office-block ballots in New Jersey had a noticeable impact on the perceived odds of candidate success, though party-endorsed candidates gave little weight to new ballots in their decision to run. Barriers to candidacy, such as fundraising, time, and level of campaigning were considered by all candidates in their decision to run. Candidates take various measures to meet these costs, whether through affiliation with an established political organization, cost-sharing with running mates, and investment of personal resources such as money and connections. I also discuss how county organizations are not a major barrier to entry for women in New Jersey, as men and women ran at equal rates on party and non-party backing. Instead, the lower overall number of women candidates impacts representation, reflecting larger issues such as differing levels of political self-efficacy among men and women.

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Available for download on Wednesday, May 19, 2027

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