Council of Alternative Political Parties v. Hooks

OPINION OF THE COURT

ALITO, Circuit Judge:

This appeal concerns the constitutionality of a provision of New Jersey’s election law, N.J.S.A. § 19:13-9, that, as recently amended, requires independent and so-called “alternative political party” candidates seeking access to the general election ballot to file nominating petitions by the day of the primary election. Because we conclude that the filing deadline is a reasonable, nondiscriminatory regulation, justified by New Jersey’s important regulatory interests, we reverse the decision of the District Court declaring § 19:13-9 unconstitutional and…