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WW voters reject change to partisan elections
Trail blazer
By Bill SAnseRVinO
West Windsor Township elections will remain nonpartisan. Township voters on Nov. 5 overwhelmingly opposed a referendum question proposing that municipal elections for mayor and council be changed from nonpartisan to partisan. According to unofficial results, 8,703 people (66%) voted against the change, while 4,574 (34%) voted in favor. A total of 12,695 peo-
ple voted on the referendum. The township has about 23,152 registered voters, meaning that about 57% voted on the measure. If a majority of residents had voted “Yes” in favor of the change, the next municipal election in November 2025 will have followed rules for partisan elections. That would have meant that candidates for municipal office would have appeared on the ballot as Republicans or Democrats, and would have been chosen during primary
elections in June. Independents who gained the appropriate number of signatures would also have been listed lower on the ballot, but slates with candidates from both political parties (as is allowed now under nonpartisan elections) would not have been allowed. Two advocacy groups with opposing views had emerged in the run up to the referendum. Keep West Windsor NonpartiSee REFERENDUM, Page 4
Take a journey through local holiday traditions and events COMPileD By Bill SAnseRVinO
West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North’s Allison Lee might just be one of the best cross country runners in school history. Read about Lee and the team on Page 12.
Winter holidays are a time when traditions and events — both old and new — bring joy and a sense of belonging. Some of these customs date back centuries, such as the ancient Norse use of mistletoe during the winter solstice or the 15th century German practice of decorating trees at Christmas. Others, like the modern image of Santa Claus shaped
by 19th century American writers and artists, are more recent. Yet, there are holiday traditions here in the local community that have taken root and flourished, becoming an essential part of the seasonal celebrations. From the dramatic reenactment of Washington’s Delaware River crossing to various musical and stage performances, this area is rich with holiday customs that have become as cherished as the more well-known
A new knee for the new year. Get back to what you love. rwjbh.org/ortho
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global ones. With offerings like tree lightings, holiday markets, concerts, dance and theater performances and seasonal displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether looking for familyfriendly activities, a unique shopping experience, or a chance to give back, there’s a little bit of something for everyone to help make the most of See HOLIDAYS, Page 8
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