40:76-5.Ā  Clerk to examine petition;Ā  minor deviations permissible
The municipal clerk shall examine the petition, within ten days of the dateĀ  of its being filed with him, to ascertain whether or not it conforms to theĀ  requirements of this chapter.Ā  In examining the signatures of the electors heĀ  may, if in doubt as to the genuineness of any of them, compare them with theĀ  signatures contained in the registry books used at the last preceding generalĀ  election.Ā  The petition shall be accepted if it substantially conforms to theĀ  form provided herein, the form being for the guidance of the parties and noĀ  petition shall be rejected by the clerk for any typographical deviation fromĀ  the form provided herein or for any minor departure therefrom.
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