New Jersey ballot news
From Ballotpedia
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| Propositions • | Recall | • Law |
Here you'll find a collection of ballot news stories from New Jersey.
Issue of gay marriage hits New Jersey
TRENTON, New Jersey:With the defeated of Jon Corzine in the November 3, 2009 elections, proponents of gay marriage have reached a point of urgency. With the ousting of the pro-gay marriage governor, who will leave office in the next few months, and the insertion of gay marriage opponent Chris Christie, New Jersey Democrats are hoping to pass a bill that would legalize marriage equality before Corzine leaves the reigns to the Governor elect.[1]
According to a contributor named “Caroline” in the blog, 'The Outspoken Liberal: "I really don’t want marriage equality on the ballot in New Jersey--this is why we must pass it before Corzine leaves office."
According to Sharon Soon, writer for the blog Conservatives With Attitude,: "Many state Senate seats will be up next year, and following a loss like today’s, it might not be the wisest action for our Democrats to pass legislation on such an issue that is proven to be unpopular and controversial."
New Jersey open space bond passes
The New Jersey open space bond issue on the November 3, 2009 New Jersey ballot was approved.
| Ballot measure | Outcome | Yes % | No % | Precincts Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Space Bonds |  | 818,986 (52%) | 744,814 (48%) | 6245 of 6305 |
Source: NJ.com Election Results with the Star-Ledger as of 10:18am EST
New Jersey voters decide today for open space
New Jersey: New Jersey residents will face a ballot question today that will ask them whether or not to borrow millions for more open space preservation in the state. According to reports, residents have voted for measures like this before in the past fifty years. The difference between those ballot measures and this one is the economic downturn the country has faced. The passage of the question would allow the state to borrow $400 million to extend the state’s open space program for another two years.
That shouldn‘t be a problem, according to Assemblyman John McKeon, supporter of the measure: “I don't know a person who could argue in the nation's most densely populated state, with the nation's most successful land preservation program that's broke, that it should not be replenished. It's just the concern about taking on debt. There's actually an incredible return on the investment, not just in quality of life and ecological return but in true dollars and cents.”
Others, such as Steve Lonegan, the former mayor of Bogota, New Jersey and former New Jersey Governor hopeful, say that the measure is fiscally irresponsible: “First and foremost in the minds of New Jersey taxpayers should be the fact that debt has just spiraled out of control. We've seen the reports about revenue shortfalls and the major deficit we're looking at next year, add to that the unfunded pension liabilities. It's just a mess. So to borrow money now for something that is not essential -- in fact, to borrow money for anything -- is just reckless.”
Voters will be going to the polls today and will decide which side is the right one in their minds.[2]
Six states prepare to face off in November 3rd elections
Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Washington: The clock is ticking - there are only 5 days left until election day. In this off-year election only six states will face off on November 3, 2009. There's a total of 26 propositions on the ballot this November.[3] Earlier this year, Californians voted on six statewide measures, bringing the total number of statewide ballot measures in 2009 to 32 - the lowest number of statewide ballot measures in 20 years.
Review upcoming ballot measures HERE!
Additionally on November 3rd, there will be hundreds of local ballot measures in at least 24 states.
Federal judge reverses ban on exit polling in New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ-Federal judge Peter Sheridan reversed a decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court to ban exit polling within 100 feet of polling places[4].
The National Election Pool consisting of the four major news networks that are covering the New Jersey Governor's race and the Open Space ballot question challenged the decision claiming that similar attempts to ban exit polling in other states were unsuccessful. Many polling experts said that if New Jersey enacted the ban, there would be higher error rates in conducting exit polling. Experts also said that pollsters are supposed to approach voters in a present pattern by going after every fourth voter. It was noted that if the buffer zone was enacted it would inhibit the ability of a exit pollster's job of gathering timely information[4].
In issuing his ruling, Judge Sheridan said: "there is simply no evidence that exit polling has caused disorderly conduct at the polls." The judge also upheld the First Amendment rights of journalists in the case saying: "news groups have a protected interest in reporting news to the public[4].
Waste committee chairman speaks in favor of New Jersey issue
TRENTON, New Jersey: John F. McKeon, Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee chairman, spoke at a voter awareness campaign about the New Jersey Open Space Bond Issue on September 29, 2009. The campaign, sponsored by the Keep It Green Coalition and held in Trenton, saw the assemblyman urge citizens to vote yes on the issue on November 3, 2009.
McKeon stated: "We are in a race against time to protect and preserve our natural resources including our pristine watersheds, valuable farmland, historic sites and flood-prone areas. The loss of land is permanent and irreversible and there are a finite number of undeveloped acres in our state, the most densely populated in the nation."[5]
New Jersey superior court denies recall effort, for now
POINT PLEASANT BEACH, New Jersey: On September 28, 2009, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Joseph Foster ruled that a recall elecion against Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Vincent Barella would not be on the November ballot. The judge’s decision on the issue is still to come during the week of October 5, 2009, but if he ruled in favor of the ballot measure, it would not leave ample time for new potential candidates to campaign for the position this November. However according to Barrella’s attorney, if the judge rules that the group successfully collected enough signatures, the recall election would take place in November 2010.[6]
The court hearings were the result of City Clerk Maryann Ellsworth declaring that the petition was invalid because one of the circulators failed to sign a document where required. Ellsworth disqualified 400 of the 1,200 signatures, which left the petition short of signatures by 77. However, court papers for appeal were filed on August 20, 2009 by the recall committee. The petition called for the recall because of the mayor's proposed plan to raise taxes[7][8]
Montclair school district referendum races against the clock
MONTCLAIR, New Jersey: Residents and petition organizers of potential referendum are racing to meet a September 29,2009 deadline to submit signatures after the county clerk stated the group were circulating two different petitions with different wording, thus leaving the group short of signature requirements.
Instead of legally challenging the decision of the clerk, the committee had collected 570 signatures two weeks before the deadline. Optimistic that they would meet signature requirements on time, the committee collected signatures at local events. According to organizer Pegi Adam: “We’re optimistic, and we’re committed to getting this done.” With 570 signatures collected, the group needs 400 more to meet the minimum amount necessary.[9]
The referendum, if placed and enacted on the November 3, 2009 ballot, would alter the way school board members are placed in office. Currently, the mayor appoints the members, however, the referendum would allow voters to select the members instead.
Point Pleasant mayor chooses not to testify in recall hearing
POINT PLEASANT BEACH, New Jersey: A hearing was held on September 8, 2009 in the New Jersey Superior Court to determine whether or not the effort to recall Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Vincent Barrella was valid. During the hearing, the petition circulator under question, Joseph Billoti, testified that he is a resident of Point Pleasant Beach, citing his address as within the city limits. Barella chose not to testify, although his attorney stated the mayor did have sufficient arguments to counter Billoti's testimony. Instead the court was handed Point Pleasant sewer and water bills from 2002 until present day.[10]
The recall petition was deemed invalid by the city clerk in August 2009 due to questions of Billoti and another circulator living outside of the city limits, along with other questionable petition procedures performed by recall supporters.[11]
New Jersey township rejects election date change proposal
EVESHAM, New Jersey: A proposal was defeated on July 27, 2009 by the Township council in a unanimous decision. The proposal would have repealed a decision that would have asked voters whether or not to move the township’s municipal election.
Deputy Mayor Joe Howarth stated that he would propose another ordinance similar to this one on August 18, 2009 that would ask the council to reconsider their decision.
According to Democratic Councilwoman Alicia Marrone: "Why won't the Republican council members let the voters decide what they want?"
Opponents of the measure fear that changing the date would lead to municipal elections getting lost in the midst of county, state and national elections.[12]
New Jersey bond issue signed by governor
NEWARK, New Jersey: Governor Jon S. Corzine signed a measure to authorize a ballot question that would allow the state to borrow $400 million to preserve open space, farmland, and historic areason. The signing took place on August 18, 2009, finalizing the bond issue's placement on the November 3, 2009 ballot.[13]
According to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee chairman and supporter John McKeon:"By putting his imprimatur on the open space ballot question measure, our Governor has courageously demonstrated his long-standing commitment to the environment. This measure empowers New Jersey voters to make an investment in our future, and allowing this crucial program to languish is an expense New Jerseyans simply cannot afford."
New Brunswick residents see city council question put on ballot
NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey:Residents in the city of New Brunswick will now see a referendum placed on the ballot asking whether or not the city council should be expanded from five members to nine members after a Superior Court ruling favored the measure. Currently, all city council members are elected at large, but if the referendum were to be enacted, six members would come from each of the city’s wards and three would be elected at large.
The referendum began when the group Empower Our Neighborhoods claimed a larger city council would implement a more accountable government in the city. The city challenged the referendum by stating the wording was flawed and the timing was questionable. However, the final decision by the Superior Court will pave the way for a public vote.[14]
New Jersey town to vote on moving date of municipal elections
DELRAN, New Jersey: Delran voters in New Jersey will get a chance this November to change their municipal election date from May to November. In addition to changing the date, the move would also make the elections for that town partisan elections. Delran, along with eighty other towns in New Jersey, utilize elections in which local candidates do not identify themselves via party affiliations on the ballot. [15]
Supporters of the referendum state that the move would help the community save money, as towns that hold nonpartisan elections generally pay for all the equipment and expenses themselves. One council-member said in an interview that "we can no longer afford the luxury of having a May election because of how much it costs the township in extra money every year," and other administrative officials said that they expected the town to save up to $40,000 through the switch.[15] Additionally, supporters claim that the move will solve the problem, to some extent at least, to low voter turnout, although there is still some debate concerning how valid this argument is.[16]
New Jersey judge says recall signatures must be re-counted
Cape May, New Jersey: On July l7, Superior Court Judge Raymond Batten ruled that City Clerk Chris Wood had improperly invalidated signatures in the matter of the Ernie Troiano and Bill Davenport recall.
Judge Batten also noted that:
- Wood told the recall committee in December 2008 that they'd need 615 signatures on each recall petition. After the signatures were collected and filed, Wood said that the recall group really needed 697 signatures on each petition. The judge said that he is powerless to retroactively change that higher number.
- Evidence challenging the status of any rejected or reinstated signatures can be provided at hearings that will begin Monday, August 3.
- Final counts will not be available until after that hearing.[17]
Beverly City officials look to downsize government
BEVERLY, New Jersey: City of Beverly officials are looking to downsizing the number of public offices. Beverly has a population of 2,600 with as many public officials as larger towns like Atlantic City and Newark - 10 officials. In May 2009 the city council voted to petition the state legislature to adopt a law to authorize the downsizing of the council to five. Additionally the petition includes increasing the terms of office from three years to four. "Everybody knows that 10 elected officials for 3,000 people is ridiculous," said city council president Luis Crespo.[18]
Wildwood recall petition goes to court
WILDWOOD, New Jersey: Earlier this week, Cape May Superior Court Judge Raymond Batten heard preliminary arguments from lawyers on both sides of the Wildwood recall petition; a petition that seeks to recall Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. and Commissioner Bill Davenport. Petitioners took the petition to the Superior Court after City Clerk Chris Wood declared the petitions void, citing that through verification several of the signatures had to be eliminated because they either were not valid, had multiple signatures, did not fill the forms correctly, etc. Additionally, Daniel Gallagher, the recall committees attorney, said that when the committee first filed intent to recall the city instructed them to collect 615 signatures. Later, Wood noted that the signature requirement was incorrect and should have been higher, 697.[19]
This week, Gallagher argued that the petitioners had no reason to believe Wood, the city clerk, was incorrect when he told them 615 signatures were required. However, Colin Bell, the attorney representing Bill Davenport, said that that does not excuse the fact that the state law is clearly stated in the New Jersey Constitution. "You can't change the rules of the game. The rules of the game require 697 signatures," Bell said.[20]
The court is expected to rule on the issue this Friday.
New Jersey legislators give voters say on open space
TRENTON, New Jersey: Voters will have a chance to voice their opinion on a "open space bond measure" on the November 2009 ballot, after New Jersey legislators overwhelming voted in favor of the measure last week. The bill calls for voters to decided if the state should borrow $400 million to preserve open space, farmland, and historic areas. With strong bi-partisan support the bill passed by 26-7 in the Senate and 66-9 in the Assembly.[21] In 2007, $200 million was approved by voters for the Garden State Preservation Trust. Those funds run out this July. "The overwhelming bi-partisan support of the measure speaks to the fact that New Jersey voters value the importance of open space to the economy, to our environment and to our quality of life," said Assemblyman John McKeon.[22] Environmental groups strongly support the measure but worry that voters will reject the bill and favor an alternative funding source, such as a tax or fee. Some lawmakers said that they too are concerned about the bills timing. "It is not right to put debt before the people for approval without telling them how far in the hole they already are," said Assemblyman Richard Merkt.[23]
New Jersey petition underway to reform Board of Education
MONTCLAIR, New Jersey: Montclair community activists have begun the process of gathering signatures for a petition that would place the question of selecting school board members on the November ballot. The group needs a minimum of 2,500 signatures from Montclair residents to get the referendum question on the General Election ballot this autumn.
Currently, the Montclair school district is listed as a "Type I" district, meaning that Board of Education members are appointed by the mayor. The goal of the petitioners is to make the district classified as "Type II", wherein registered voters elect would elect the members of the board. The Montclair district is one of only a small handful of New Jersey school districts that are registed as "Type I", and so supporters of the petition declared "This is normal practice in a democracy. Montclair should be a democracy, not a benevolent dictatorship."[24]
Support for an elected Board of Education has been strengthening since the beginning of the year, as the escalating number of homeowners have grown increasingly frustrated with rising costs of public education. Last March, the board approved a record $113 million operating budget for the upcoming school year which was eventually passed by the township's Board of School Estimate, an organization whose members are also largely selected by the mayor. As it had in the past, the budget increase was paired with an increase in the school share of local property taxes. Pegi Adam, who is heading the volunteers behind the petition drive, said the annual cycle of higher school budgets and tax increases is forcing residents out of the township.[25]
Unfortunately for supporters of the measure, dissatisfaction with the organization of the Board of Education has led it to four referendum votes in the past 50 years (in 1963, 1969, 1971, and 1995). In each case, the proposed switch to an elected board was defeated at the polls.
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