TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) to create a pilot program in Camden and Morris counties designed to cut costs by allowing their governing bodies to streamline county elections positions was approved unanimously today by a Senate committee.
“This legislation will give elected officials in pilot counties the option of streamlining positions within county government to create real savings, while maintaining the integrity and oversight of the election process,” said Senator Norcross. “Moreover, it will help establish best practices for this type of consolidation going forward, as state and local governments continue to seek new and innovative ways to relieve the property-tax burden on our residents.”
The bill (S-2455) would permit freeholder boards in the pilot counties – through the adoption of an ordinance or resolution – to suspend the operations of the offices of superintendent and deputy superintendent of elections for a period of three years, and transfer their functions to the county Board of Elections. At the end of the three-year period, the freeholder board would be required to assess the pilot program and decide whether to permanently adopt the streamlined elections structure.