The conservative political action committee, Fix Jersey Now, associated with New Jersey conservative figure Dominick “Mick” Spadea, is embarking on a mission that challenges traditional Republican strategies: it aims to excel in the ballot game, a tactic historically dominated by the left.
Operating within a Democratic stronghold, the PAC seeks to rejuvenate the Republican presence in New Jersey through strategic ballot collection initiatives. This approach mirrors the Democrats’ longstanding method of using third-party ballot collection to secure electoral victories despite occasional legal controversies.
The organization emphasizes the importance of grassroots support in executing its plan effectively. Their strategy hinges on surpassing Democrats in ballot collection, a crucial aspect of winning elections in the state.
The overarching goal is to strengthen the Republican base in New Jersey, where registered GOP voters trail behind their unaffiliated and Democratic counterparts.
In the immediate term, the PAC proposes a meticulous and lawful ballot collection program. This program is underpinned by comprehensive research, analysis, and targeted outreach to engage registered voters who have historically abstained from voting.
Key components of the initiative include education on ballot collection procedures in compliance with local electoral regulations, as well as the recruitment and training of ballot collectors. Additionally, the plan involves exploring alternative voting methods and leveraging drop boxes, a tactic commonly utilized by the left to Get Out The Vote (GOTV).
According to Spadea, the PAC aims to raise funds amounting to $25,000 per county, with an initial focus on five counties, including Camden and Sussex. Collaboration with county GOP chairmen and the involvement of volunteers may help reduce costs, although legal expenses remain a significant concern, given potential challenges from opposing parties.
Thus far, Fix Jersey Now has garnered support from numerous donors and volunteers statewide, with the objective of demonstrating the effectiveness of ballot harvesting for Republicans, mirroring its success among Democrats.
It’s worth noting that New Jersey’s ballot collection laws are more restrictive compared to some other Democratic-leaning states. Authorized messengers, who cannot be candidates themselves, are permitted to return a maximum of three voters’ mail-in ballots under New Jersey law.
Fix Jersey Now’s initiative represents a departure from traditional Republican strategies, aiming to level the playing field by mastering the ballot game in a state long dominated by Democrats.
Through meticulous planning, grassroots support, and adherence to legal guidelines, the PAC seeks to revitalize the Republican presence in New Jersey’s political world.