HOBOKEN — A petition signed by approximately 1,800 residents was delivered on Wednesday to the Hoboken City Clerk’s office by the Vote Yes For November citizens’ committee, according to a release from the group. If certified by the clerk, the petitions will enable Hoboken voters in the upcoming Nov. 6 general election to decide whether future municipal elections will be held in November rather than in May.
The next scheduled local election would be for mayor and three council members in May 2013, with a possible runoff in June. If the referendum question is approved, the election will be moved to November 2013. Voters will also be asked to decide whether to eliminate the runoff and instead allow the candidate with the most votes to assume office.
Proponents of the date change say it will save the city $100,000 per election, and increase participation by scheduling municipal elections during the higher-turnout general election.
The Board of Education has already voted to move its elections to Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Opponents of the initiative have objected because it will allow the current office holders to remain in office another six months.