New Jersey drops ‘so help me God’ oath for candidate filings

2024-12-25 08:50:39 source:lotradecoin top traders leaderboard category:Markets

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey is dropping its requirement that candidates for office sign an oath that includes the words “so help me God” in filing paperwork for their candidacy.

NJ.com reported Wednesday that the state Division of Elections is no longer requiring candidates to sign that oath, allowing them to make “a solemn affirmation or declaration” instead.

The state was being sued by James Tosone, a 70-year-old northern New Jersey man who said he plans to run for Congress in 2024 as a Libertarian. But as a nontheist, he said, he cannot sign part of the petition including a religious oath.

In an Oct. 24 memo to all county clerks in New Jersey, Lauren Zyriek, acting director of the state’s Division of Elections, said the religious oath is no longer required.

“In the affirmation or declaration, the words ‘so help me God’ shall be omitted,” the memo reads.

Tosone, who lives in Washington Township in Bergen County, dropped his lawsuit against the state this week.

More:Markets

Recommend

'Maria' review: Angelina Jolie sings but Maria Callas biopic doesn't soar

Angelina Jolie deserves some flowers for her steady performance as Maria Callas in the biopic “Maria

Dancer Órla Baxendale Dead at 25 After Eating Mislabeled Cookie

A mislabeled holiday dessert has led to the death of a talented young dancer.New York performer Órla

Pawn Stars Host Rick Harrison’s Son Adam’s Cause of Death Revealed

More details have emerged about Adam Harrison's sudden passing. The 39-year-old died from a fentanyl