THE NEED FOR ELECTORAL TRANSPARENCY

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Currently, West Windsor's elections for Mayor and Township Council do not allow candidates to display their political affiliations on the ballot.

 

Our goal is to provide voters with more transparent information, so that they can make highly informed decisions when selecting the local representatives who impact the quality of life and futures of West Windsor families.

 

Studies show that this crucial piece of information increases voters' confidence and engagement in the electoral process.

 

If this initiative passes, candidates for West Windsor Township Council and Mayor will first appear on the ballot to compete in a June public primary election for their self-identified political party, as is done with county, state, and national elections, before proceeding to the November general election.

 

Candidates who do not wish to affiliate with one of the two state-recognized political parties who hold primaries (Democratic or Republican) will file petitions as independent ("unaffiliated") candidates and appear directly on the November general election ballot.

 

Through this effort, we can address the current limitations of the dated, nonpartisan system. The partisan model promotes inclusivity and strengthens the alignment of local policies with residents' values and priorities.

 

Support for this Public Question is a step towards a more transparent, representative, and effective local government.

 

Join us in supporting better representation of West Windsor's diverse and growing population, and in ensuring that our governing body reflects our community's political makeup.

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BASIC FACTS

 

1. Partisan elections allow independent candidates to run for elected office.

2. Local municipal candidates have the freedom to affiliate with any party, just as candidates running for county, state, and federal races do.

3. Changing to a partisan election process will not change the Township's form of government.

4. Candidates who wish to be affiliated with a political party first run in their respective party's primary. These elections are decided by voters in their party, just like at the county, state, and national levels. New Jersey’s primaries are held on the first Tuesday of June: they are a public, open process. This starkly contrasts with the current system, with backroom decisions of a few, with no accountability or vetting and hinders time for voters to properly scrutinize those candidates who want to run.

5. All candidates have an equal opportunity to win.

6. Partisan elections allow candidates to run as a slate, voters can select individual candidates within a slate they want to choose.

7. Partisan elections do not dictate ballot placement.

8. This change will not cost taxpayers more than the current nonpartisan system does, since West Windsor already participates in partisan elections each year for county, state, and federal offices.

9. Most towns in Mercer County (9 out of 12) and across New Jersey hold partisan municipal elections because they support more civic engagement.

 

INITIATIVE REFLECTS OUR GROWING AND DIVERSE POPULATION

 

West Windsor operates under a Mayor-Council form of government, as defined by the Faulkner Act (NJ Optional Municipal Charter Law). This structure includes an executive branch, led by an elected Mayor, and a legislative branch, consisting of elected Township Council members, each functioning independently. Currently, the Mayor and five Council members are elected on a nonpartisan basis for staggered four-year terms.

 

Over the past 30 years, however, West Windsor's population has nearly doubled and become exponentially more diverse.

It is time for this growth to be reflected in the Township's governing body and election processes.

 

This Public Question on the ballot answers the need for updated practices that provide accountability and oversight, given the challenges of serving a significantly larger and multifaceted constituency. A YES to the Public Question means that you support a more inclusive electoral system.

 

  

SHIFT FROM NONPARTISAN TO PARTISAN BALLOTING AND ELECTIONS

 

West Windsor's municipal elections are often unclear, because voters cannot see a candidate's party affiliation on the ballot, leading to uncertainty about which candidate aligns with their values. Additionally, studies show a significant drop in voter turnout.

 

Introducing a partisan ballot will eliminate confusion and provide much needed transparency. It will clarify for voters and candidates alike, both during campaign cycles and at polling booths, who represents which political party.

 

Just as with county, state, and federal elections, knowing a candidate's party affiliation boosts voters' confidence and helps inform their choices, ensuring a more knowledgeable and supported voting constituency.

 

WHY DOES PARTY AFFILIATION MATTER?

 

Party affiliation significantly influences Township policies on land use, environmental protection, commercial development, public safety, social services, infrastructure, and budgeting priorities, like neighborhood improvements and the arts. This has been evident in recent decisions about eminent domain, redevelopment, zoning changes, and appointments by the Mayor and/or Council to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Affordable Housing Committee, and Environmental Commission. Party affiliation also affects the Council's support for state legislation and its ability to collaborate with neighboring towns and county or state officials.