Most counties in New Jersey squeeze all minor party and independent candidates into a single column, headed “Nomination by Petition”, whereas Democratic and Republican nominees each have their own party column. Because New Jersey has easy ballot access, there are usually at least seven or eight candidates on the ballot for President, Governor and U.S. Senator. Many voters probably never even see the names of minor party and independent candidates, because of their awkward spot on the ballot.
Chris Daggett, an independent candidate for Governor in 2009, attracted a great deal of support, and he was the first non-major party nominee to poll over 5% of the vote for New Jersey Governor since 1913. He had filed a lawsuit in state court on September 18, 2009, alleging that the unequal ballot format is unconstitutional. Because he filed the case so late, he did not receive injunctive relief. However, he had intended to keep the lawsuit alive after the election, to win declaratory judgment, which would have been very helpful in the future. Unfortunately, he has dropped his lawsuit. The case was closed back on June 22, 2010. It was Olson v Corzine, Morris County, L30-22-09.
