Public Administration
New Jersey Lawmakers Hear Public Testimony at Second Hearing on Ballot Design – On November 7th, state lawmakers held their second hearing on redesigning New Jersey ballots where they accepted public testimony for the first time. Witnesses, including experts from New Jersey Policy Perspective, Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and Indivisible Rahway, encouraged lawmakers to adopt an office-block ballot design. They also voiced concerns about noting incumbency status, grouping running mates, or adding other potentially advantageous information on ballots. Additionally, witnesses recommended conducting ballot position draws electronically rather than by hand, arguing this method would be faster, more random, and more practical for county clerks. Dr. Julia Sass Rubin, Associate Dean and Director of the Public Policy Program at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, served as a witness in the lawsuit that led to the court order and as an expert in the hearing. The next hearing in the series is scheduled for November 12th at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. This panel series follows a federal judge’s decision to prohibit the use of New Jersey party-line primary ballots in March 2024.
Progressive Groups Pledge to Protect Immigrant, Abortion, and LGBTQIA Rights Following Presidential Election – Progressive advocacy groups, including Make the Road New Jersey and the Working Families Party, have launched rallies and pledged to defend the rights of immigrants residing in the state following the November 5th election. This response comes after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants nationwide, including in New Jersey. Make the Road New Jersey reported an increase in hotline calls and community center visits, with many residents expressing concerns about their immigration statuses and cases. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin indicated on social media that any federal threats to New Jersey residents, regardless of immigration status, would face legal opposition. Progressive advocates committed to defending reproductive and LGBTQIA rights and called for state support amid rising concerns from residents over abortion access and LGBTQIA protections under the incoming administration.
Governor Murphy Announces Upcoming Commemoration of Nation’s 250th Anniversary – On November 1st, Governor Murphy, alongside U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman and Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, officially launched New Jersey’s commemoration of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. Murphy announced restoration projects across ten historic Revolutionary War sites and state parks in anticipation of increased heritage tourism. Murphy also overviewed celebratory plans, including war reenactments, living history exhibits, educational programs in schools, art installations, and 5K races through historic sites and parks statewide. Coleman and Way applauded the plans as an opportunity to highlight New Jersey’s contributions to the country’s founding and to celebrate the diverse stories of the state’s Revolutionary history.
Cannabis
Cannabis Regulatory Commission Begins Enforcing Hemp Ban – On November 8th, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission announced on its website that it will begin enforcing a ban on certain hemp products. The enforcement was temporarily delayed due to a court challenge by hemp businesses in October 2024. The ban prohibits sale of hemp and cannabis products derived from synthetic chemicals, such as delta-10 and THC-o, and imposes fines of up to $10,000 for the unlicensed sale of these products. This ban was established by Bill S3235 (P.L.2024, c.73), which Governor Murphy signed in September 2024 despite concerns about the bill’s clarity. Lawmakers indicated they are drafting additional legislation to resolve constitutional concerns identified in the October court ruling.