When voters in Adams Township and Mars Borough head to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3, they will decide whether to approve the proposed merger of the two municipalities into a single, second-class township called Mars Township.

On their ballots, in addition to local and state races, voters will find the following yes-or-no question: “Shall the Borough of Mars, a Pennsylvania municipality organized under the Borough Code, be merged into the Township of Adams, a Pennsylvania Township of the Second Class, and with the Township being renamed Mars Township, a Pennsylvania Township of the Second Class, effective January 1, 2028?”

The ballot question is identical for voters in both municipalities.

Previously, the two sides signed a “joint agreement” dictating the terms and conditions under which the merger would be carried out. These include the dissolution of Mars’ council and other positions, such as mayor; and the implementation of the current Adams Township code of ordinances to govern the new township, as well as Adams Township’s current tax rate of 3.75 mills.

The Adams Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the agreement June 22. Mars Borough Council approved it July 6.