By Mark Abrams

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) — A measure that would allow municipalities in New Jersey to move their school board elections from April to November was approved today by a legislative budget panel and is now on its way to the full New Jersey Assembly for a vote next week.

The Assembly budget committee adopted the bill that would give communities approval to move the little-noticed spring “school elections” to the November general election date.

“I think it will lead to greater participation by voters,” says Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, (D-Gloucester and Camden Counties) a prime sponsor of the bill.  “We’ll have a greater turnout in the school elections that are so critical to our municipalities.  And secondly, it will reduce costs to taxpayers because they won’t have to finance another election in April, which can be very costly and time consuming.”

Moriarty says the bill has bipartisan support and is likely to pass on the Assembly’s final session day, next Monday.

Gov. Christie supports the measure and is expected to sign it into law once it reaches his desk.

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