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AN ORDINANCE CREATING TITLE XXI, ELECTIONS, CHAPTER 1, SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS.
Sponsor(s): Council President, LaMonica R. McIver
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WHEREAS, in accordance with New Jersey Constitution, Art. IV, ? VII, 11, the Home Rule Act, N.J.S.A. 40:42-4, and the Optional Municipal Charter Law which applies to the City of Newark, N.J.S.A. 40:69A-30, the New Jersey State Legislature has authorized municipalities to use local power to deal with local needs. Further, both the Home Rule Act, N.J.S.A. 40:48-2, and the Optional Municipal Charter Law, N.J.S.A. 40:69A-30, grant to local government broad general powers to meet such needs in addition to powers specifically enumerated; and
WHEREAS, the City of Newark (the "City") recognizes its authority to enact ordinances pertaining to School Board Elections; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that 16 and 17 year-olds are already entrusted with significant responsibilities, such as driving, paying taxes, and working, and demonstrating their ability to handle civic duties and responsibilities, such as making financial contributions to a political campaign, volunteering in campaigns, serving as poll workers, writing letters to officials and attending political rallies, and as such should be eligible to vote in School Board Elections given their direct relationship to 16 and 17 year-olds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
Note: Additions are shown in Bold and Underlined. Deletions are shown in Strikeouts.
SECTION 1. Title XXI, Elections, Section 1, School Board Elections, of the Revised General Ordinances of the City of Newark, New Jersey, 2000, is amended and supplemented, to establish eligibility for 16 and 17 year-old citizens the right to vote in Newark School Board Elections as follows:
SECTION 2. Title XXI, Elections, Chapter 1, School Board Elections.
? 21:1-1 - SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS.
? 21:1-1.1 - DEFINITIONS.
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