New Jersey § 19:44a-45

§ 19:44a-45.

a. In any year in which a primary election is to be held to nominate candidates for

the office of Governor, there shall be held among the several candidates for each

such nomination a series of interactive gubernatorial primary debates, in which all

“qualified candidates,” as defined by paragraph (3) or paragraph (4) of subsection

m. of section 3 of P.L.1973, c. 83 ( C.19:44A-3 ), for that nomination who have applied or who intend to apply to receive money for

election campaign expenses under subsection a. of section 8 of P.L.1974, c. 26 ( C.19:44A-33 ) shall participate, and in which any other candidate for that nomination who has

deposited and expended the amount necessary, under paragraph (3) or paragraph (4)

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 that other

candidate notifies the Election Law Enforcement Commission of the candidate's 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

year in which no such candidate or only one such candidate for that nomination is

required or elects to participate, no gubernatorial primary debate shall be required

to be held under this subsection. 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.