2023 New Jersey Statutes 19:44A-45. Interactive debates
b. In any year in which a general election is to be held for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor, there shall be held a series of interactive gubernatorial election debates, in which all “qualified candidates,” as defined by paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of subsection m. of section 3 of P.L.1973, c.83 (C. 19:44A-3), for election to those offices who have applied or who intend to apply to receive money for election campaign expenses under subsection b. of section 8 of P.L.1974, c.26 (C. 19:44A-33) shall participate, and in which any other candidates for election to those offices who have deposited and expended the amount necessary, under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of subsection m. of section 3 of P.L.1973, c.83 (C. 19:44A-3), to be deemed a “qualified candidate” may elect to participate, provided those other candidates notify the Election Law Enforcement Commission of the candidates’ intent to so participate within the time allowed under those paragraphs for such notification to be made by candidates wishing to become qualified candidates; except that in any gubernatorial election year in which only one pair of candidates, or no candidates for election to the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor are required or elect to participate, no gubernatorial election debate shall be required to be held under this subsection.
L.1989, c.4, s.9; amended 2009, c.66, s.25.