N.J. Stat. § 40:45-3
In every case in which a referendum vote of the legal or qualified voters of a municipality is authorized by law such vote may be taken at a special election to be held in such municipality on a day to be specified in a resolution of the governing body thereof. When such a resolution shall be adopted by the governing body specifying a day for the special election, and notice thereof shall be given to the proper officer, he shall cause notice of the special election to be published once in a newspaper published or circulating in the municipality at least ten days before the election.
The election shall be held, conducted and canvassed as other elections in the municipality, and the same shall be as valid and effectual as if the vote had been taken at a general election where so provided and all subsequent proceedings may be taken as if the vote had been taken at a general election.
N.J.S. § 40:45-3