The Superior Court of New Jersey this evening threw out a plaintiff’s challenge to a city council-approved ballot question in Jersey City that offers voters a chance to move municipal elections from May to November.
“Because Defendants have the authority to change Jersey City’s municipal charter using a referendum, the lack of ambiguity of the Referendum, and Plaintiffs’ failure to satisfy the Crowe factors, Plaintiffs’ Order is DENIED in its totality and the complaint is dismissed with prejudice,” the court ruled.
Former City Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis had filed the complaint, attempting to stymie Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop’s efforts to get the public to weigh in on moving the elections.
Fulop wants to move the May elections next year to November, well after the June 2017 primary, in which political insiders expect the mayor to compete for governor.
“Our opponents wanted to limit voter turnout with this lawsuit and we are glad, not only that we won, but that we can now provide the public the chance to improve Jersey City by saving tax dollars and increasing voter turnout,” Fulop said in a statement.
Matsikoudis is an emergent candidate for mayor of Jersey City who is expected to challenge either Fulop or Fulop’s allies in next year’s local contest.
