New Jersey § 40a:9-81

§ 40a:9-81.

In every county having a population of more than 250,000 there may be a register of

deeds and mortgages in and for such county. In any such county wherein the office of register of deeds and mortgages has not

been established, the question of the establishment of such office may be submitted

to the legal voters of the county upon the adoption of a resolution by the governing

body of the county authorizing the placement of that question on the ballot. Where the question of the establishment of such office is to be submitted, it shall

be submitted at the general election preceding the one at which the county clerk is

to be elected in that county. The county clerk of every such county shall cause the question to be placed upon

the official ballot to be used at the general election in the manner provided by law

in substantially the following form: “Shall the office of the register of deeds and

mortgages be established and a register be elected in ․․․․․․․․(insert name of County) county next year?” Immediately to the left of the question there shall be printed the words “Yes” and

“No”, each with a square, in either of which the voter may make a cross (x), or a

plus sign (+) or check mark (✓) according to his choice. There shall also be printed the following: “Place a cross (x), or a plus sign (+)

or check mark (✓) in one of the above squares indicating your choice.” If voting machines are used, a vote of “Yes” or “No” shall be equivalent to such markings,

respectively. The votes shall be canvassed and returned in the manner provided by law. If a majority of the legal voters, voting on the question, shall vote “Yes,” the

office of register of deeds and mortgages shall be established and a register of deeds

and mortgages shall be elected in such county at the next general election. If a majority of the legal voters voting on the question shall vote “No,” the office

shall not be established and the county clerk shall continue to perform the duties

of a county recording officer and the question shall not be submitted again to the

legal voters of that county except upon a petition signed by 10% of the registered

voters of the county and not until five years shall have elapsed since the prior referendum.