LD1 Dem Candidates: Dem Bill Increasing Petition Signatures: 1. Restricts Access to Democracy and 2. Disenfranchises Communities
Editor’s Note: Clearly showing their independence from NJ Democratic Party bosses, the two LD-1 Democratic Party primary candidates Brandon Saffold and Carolyn Rush now for the 2nd time have spoken out against the prevailing view of their own party’s legislators in the Assembly, the body they seek nomination and election to join. They recently also spoke out, correctly against their own party’s NJ legislative leadership in A3558 which falsely equates criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. This FightBackBetter editor has also been outspoken on these issues.
Brandon Saffold and Carolyn Rush, Democratic candidates in Legislative District 1, strongly oppose Assembly Bill A5117, currently under consideration in the New Jersey Legislature. The proposed bill seeks to increase the number of petition signatures required for candidates to have their names placed on the ballot—a move that both candidates believe creates unnecessary barriers for everyday citizens who aspire to run for public office.
“A5117 is a direct attack on democracy and fair representation,” said Saffold. “As a college student, I understand how difficult it is for everyday people to even run for office. This bill seeks to raise the number of signatures by more than double. It’s no coincidence that this comes after the county party line was abolished. The political machine is doing everything it can to hold onto power, and it is a disgrace.”
Rush echoed Saffold’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessible pathways for candidates from all backgrounds. “This bill further entrenches the status quo by making it increasingly more difficult for grassroots candidates to challenge entrenched political interests. We need to empower more people to participate in the democratic process, not shut them out,” said Rush. Saffold and Rush’s joint campaign is built on the belief that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Having both experienced firsthand the challenges of running grassroots campaigns, they know how critical it is to remove, not add, obstacles for aspiring candidates. Key reasons for opposing A5117 include:
1. Restricting Access to Democracy – By raising the signature threshold, A5117 makes it harder for everyday citizens to run for office, favoring career politicians and those with significant financial backing, making it more difficult for grassroots candidates to challenge the status quo.
2. Disenfranchising Communities – Candidates from underrepresented and underserved communities will face greater difficulty in meeting the increased signature requirements, further silencing marginalized voices.
The candidates’ stance is clear: “This bill is not about improving democracy; it’s about protecting those in power. We need to lower barriers to entry, not raise them. Our democracy is strongest when it is accessible to all, not just a privileged few,” said Saffold. Saffold and Rush urge New Jersey lawmakers to reject A5117 and instead focus on policies that expand access to the ballot and encourage broader participation in the democratic process.
