Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle said they are open to rethinking New Jersey’s primary ballot system, which has come under national scrutiny in the past few weeks. 

New Jersey’s ballot system allows county officials to back a candidate ahead of the statewide primary, placing them on the “county line.” Studies show candidates placed on the line have a much higher chance of winning, up to a 38-point advantage compared to non-party-backed candidates who are placed in “ballot Siberia.”

The statement does not provide a time frame or a concrete plan of how the ballot design will be changed, only that they are committed to beginning the process of redesign. They said they will look at other state’s ballots and get public input in the process. 

“We are committed to beginning a public process on ballot design in New Jersey, including a thorough and thoughtful review of other states, as well as a process that involves input from the public,” the statement issued Tuesday said. 

Democratic Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, alongside Republican Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco and Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio, rarely in unison, all signed the statement. They said they read the attorney general’s letter and reports from the court hearing. 

“As leaders, we have a demonstrated record of working in a bipartisan way on issues regarding voting rights and the transparency of counting ballots, and we are prepared to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure public trust in a transparent and democratic process in New Jersey,” the statement said. Both Republicans and Democrats use the county line in their ballots. 

In a competitive Senate race between front-runners Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) and New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy, Murphy sits at an advantage, as she will appear on the county line for two-thirds of New Jersey voters. 

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“I’ve thought [the line] served us well over the years. Am I open minded to tweaks? Absolutely, I’ve always been.” Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) said Wednesday.

Last month, Kim filed a lawsuit against 19 county clerks for the county line, claiming the line is “unconstitutional” and “manipulates” voters. Monday, a state judge heard Kim’s lawsuit after the state’s attorney general said he would not defend the county line in court.