Six West Windsor Residents Lead Grassroots Effort for Transparent Local Elections

WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP – West Windsor Voters for Transparency and Representation, led by a diverse six-member Petitioner’s Committee, is committed to bringing greater transparency to Township elections. The Petitioner’s Committee announced it submitted over 1500 signatures from residents across the political spectrum to the Township Clerk in support of a referendum to be included on the ballot in November 2024 that will allow voters to decide whether to change from nonpartisan to partisan local elections. If approved, local candidates could affiliate with a political party on the ballot for the first time in decades. 

“This is a democratic process that empowers voters to decide the best way to conduct our municipal election, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. It is long overdue, and we are thrilled to move forward together,” said YZ Zhang, Petitioner’s Committee member and a former West Windsor Council and WW-P School Board Member. 

The Need for Change: Transparency, Fairness, and Greater Voter Participation

The referendum included on the ballot in November will give West Windsor voters the opportunity to decide if they are in favor of implementing an important change in the current local election process. This change will enable party affiliations on the ballot. This will result in voters having clearer information about candidates, which will foster confidence and engagement in the electoral process. The shift will address the limitations of the nonpartisan system: it will promote fairer elections with greater voter turnout. West Windsor has had lower voter turnout in recent elections than those municipalities with partisan elections.  

True Grassroots Effort

A dedicated Petitioner’s Committee of West Windsor residents with unique experiences and backgrounds has come together to propose an improvement in the local election process and address voters' confusion about the local ballot and candidates. Dale Lessne, a member of the Petitioner’s Committee, an attorney, and a resident of Village Grande, explained, “As a 38-year resident of West Windsor, I found that the nonpartisan process and the ballot lacked critical information on the candidates, specifically their party affiliations, which is important to many voters in making their decisions."

James Appenzeller, an entrepreneur and member of the Petitioner’s Committee who is not affiliated with a political party added, “As an Independent voter, this information is readily available to us when we vote for County, State and Federal representatives, but not for local officials whose decisions have the biggest, local impact on our day to day lives.” 

Two lifelong West Windsor residents, accomplished attorney Sweekrutha “Swee” Shankar and Henry Hsiao, a Princeton University rising junior, joined in this effort because they believe the current nonpartisan system is inadequate. Elizabeth Wagner, a charitable giving visionary and devoted community advocate, has also put her talents behind this effort to bring about local change.   

A Community United for Change

Over 50 West Windsor volunteers collected signatures over the past few weeks. This grassroots campaign is driven by a shared vision and a commitment to make our community a better place. West Windsor residents from every corner of the town have volunteered countless hours and demonstrated unparalleled enthusiasm to knock on doors, set up information sessions, and engage in innumerable conversations with their neighbors in support of local change. 

“We are deeply grateful for the hard work and commitment of our volunteers,” said Swee Shankar. “Their relentless efforts are the reason we met our goal. This grassroots movement is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.”

Moving Forward: the November Ballot Question

With the submission of the signatures, the next and final step is for the community to vote on the referendum at the November 5th General Election. West Windsor for Transparency and Representation will continue to meet with and educate our neighbors about this important change. 

Residents will continue to receive further updates and opportunities to get involved as the effort moves forward.  Together, we are making history and shaping the future of our community.

For more information, please contact info@ww4representation.com or visit ww4representation.com.