N.J. Stat. tit. 40, ch. 19

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-1 Change of county seat

The county seat of any county may be changed from one municipality to another therein, in the manner hereafter in this chapter provided.

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-2 Resolution; submission to voters

In order to effect the change, the board of chosen freeholders shall adopt a resolution that the county seat shall be changed to a municipality other than that in which it is then located, designating the other municipality by name. The resolution shall not become effective until a majority of the legal voters of the county shall vote in the manner hereinafter provided, for the proposed change.

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-3 Petition for resolution; resolution on initiative of board

If a petition signed by at least twenty per cent of the legal voters of the county shall be presented to the board, requesting such a change of the county seat from one municipality to another therein named, the board shall pass a resolution therefor. The board of chosen freeholders may pass such resolution on its own initiative.

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-4 Referendum

Upon the passage of the resolution, the clerk of the board of chosen freeholders shall forthwith transmit a certified copy thereof to the proper officer, notifying him that a vote is desired upon the question. Such officer shall, in the manner and form provided by law, place the same upon the ballots used at the next general election occurring not less than thirty days after the passage of the resolution.

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-5 Ballot; form and content

The question shall be printed upon the ballots to be used at the election in substantially the following form: "To vote upon the public question printed below, if in favor thereof mark a cross (X) or plus (+) in the square at the left of the word YES, and if opposed thereto mark a cross (X) or plus (+) in the square at the left of the word NO. "Shall the county seat of .............. [ ] YES county be changed from ............. to ................ (specify names of [ ] NO municipalities)?"

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-6 Submission at general election; law applicable

The question shall be voted upon at said next general election, and the votes shall be canvassed, and the result determined and announced in the manner provided by the laws relating to elections.

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-7 Vote required for adoption; board to provide accommodations

If a majority of the legal voters voting at the election shall vote YES the board of chosen freeholders shall thereupon provide suitable lands and buildings necessary for the accommodation of the courts and officers, and for the transaction of the business of the county in the municipality to which the change shall be made, and shall suitably furnish and equip such buildings.

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-8 Courts and county officers established in new county seat

After the acquisition and furnishing of such buildings, the courts of the county and all the county officers shall be established therein. Amended by L.1953, c. 37, p. 637, s. 22, eff. March 19, 1953.

N.J. Stat. § 40:19-9 Resubmission

A vote upon such question shall not be taken oftener than once in five years in the same county.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026