Elections that make sense

It's gratifying to see the Haddonfield school board making the right decision and moving school board elections to general election day -- the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

For too long, New Jersey has spread its elections throughout the year, resulting in far too few people casting ballots for people in positions that are responsible for millions in taxing and spending.

By moving the election to November, the school board (and hundreds of other BOEs across the state) are ensuring a higher turnout -- which should result in public officials being more responsive to their consituents and more representative of their opinions.

The move also allows the board to pass its annual budget without a public vote, provided the budget increases by less than the state-mandated cap (currently set at 2 percent). If the budget proposes an increase beyond the cap, it would need to be approved by the public in the November vote.

The lack of a budget vote should not be misinterpreted as the public losing its voice in this important matter, though.

-- For one thing, the board still must present the budget to the public before passing it. The board should be encouraged to make the budget presentation a very well publicized event to ensure everyone has a chance to speak.

-- Furthermore, the public does not have direct oversight of any other governing body's budget. There is no public vote to approve the municipal budget or state budget, for example. Instead, the public votes for representatives who then debate and pass a budget. That's the same process that will now be at work in this matter.

And if the board does not pass a suitable budget, then it is up to the public to take that power away from them by electing individuals who better represent their opinions.

It's a simple process that makes sense. And it's nice to see that process finally in place in so many districts across the state.