A New Jersey appeals court ruled Friday that the state Election Law Enforcement Commission may proceed with an investigation into alleged campaign finance law violations by Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo and his treasurer.

A three-judge Appellate Division panel, in a published decision, overturned a lower court judge's decision that said ELEC couldn't proceed with the investigation since it did not have the requisite number of commissioners.

Appellate Division Judge Marianne Espinosa, writing for the panel, said ELEC has “broad authority” to conduct investigations, even though there may be a lack of commissioners at any given time. Judges Carmen Messano and Karen Suter joined in the ruling.