VOTE YES on the Public Question: Improve West Windsor Elections - Kamal Khanna

As a former President of the West Windsor Municipal Council, I am proud to have served our community and remain deeply committed to its progress. I am inspired by the grassroots efforts of West Windsor Voters for Transparency and Representation. Their advocacy for electoral change highlights a critical conversation that has been ongoing for years.

The Public Question on the ballot is crucial because our current nonpartisan system no longer meets the needs of our growing community. While it served us well in the past, West Windsor's evolution demands an updated electoral process. Importantly, this initiative does not seek to alter our form of government but aims to refine the electoral framework.

It is disheartening to witness the opposition fueled by inaccuracies and fear. We need change to foster greater community involvement in governance. Partisan elections will allow candidates to transparently align with political parties, enabling residents to participate in local primary voting. This shift empowers voters and moves away from a model where a select few insiders determine candidates for general elections.

The proposed system provides voters with eight months to research candidates using vetted information, far more time than the under three months currently allowed in the nonpartisan system, which coincides with families' transitions from summer to the school year. This extended research period will encourage civic engagement in West Windsor.

Research supports this approach, indicating that partisan townships experience higher voter turnout in local elections. Such civic involvement is essential for a healthy democracy. It is vital for our community to recognize how municipal decisions, like development projects and stormwater management plans, directly impact daily life, especially as we face challenges like climate change.

I strongly urge a YES VOTE on the Public Question this November. Regardless of the outcome on November 5th, the dialogue sparked by this grassroots initiative has already enriched our community. This proposal advocates for a partisan electoral system that promises to enhance accountability, transparency, and representation.

West Windsor residents are educated, ambitious, and deeply invested in our community. Yet, the link between local governance and daily life is lacking because there is a deficit in transparent information in our electoral processes. By improving access to information during campaigns and on ballots, we can enhance civic participation, deepen understanding, and strengthen our diverse community.

My Vote is YES, I hope yours is too!                                                                                         

Sincerely,

Kamal Khanna