Bordentown City has moved their municipal elections from May to November.
Nearly 70%, or 1,839 voters, came out to the polls and voted on whether or not to move the elections with 1,256 “yes” votes and 583 “no” votes.
Mayor Jennifer Sciortino said the question during the general election allowed them to really “gauge” how the voters felt.
The commissioner election will remain nonpartisan as a special election.
“It won’t be in the columns with whoever is on the ballot at the time,” Sciortino said, adding the commissioner election will be held during gubernatorial election years.
Some residents at the meeting relayed concerns about the commissioner election getting lost and not being “as personal” as the May election.
Commissioner Heather Cheesman said with the board of education election being in November, she was always conditioned to vote in November. She noted people are more likely to have off of work in November.
“It makes sense to move forward to November,” she said. “Our election in May excluded people at work. In November you tend to get off…
“… This is one small step to be an [even more] inclusive community where everybody can vote.”
Sciortino added the November election would garner increased attention, increased voter turnout and increased number of candidates.
“It will force candidates to me more responsive … more accountable,” she said.
