Several candidates for nomination to the same office may in such petitions request that their names be grouped together, and that the common designation to be named by them shall be printed opposite their names. If two candidates or groups shall select the same designation, the secretary of state, county clerk or municipal clerks, as the case may be, shall notify the candidate or group whose petition was last filed, and such candidate or group shall select a new designation.
N.J.S. § 19:23-18