Hillsborough 2023 Election: Who's Running, Where To Vote

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Here is what Hillsborough Township voters need to know before they hit the polls.

Who is on the ballot? (* denotes incumbent)

Township Committee

There are four candidates running for two, three-year seats on the Township Committee:

• Catherine Payne - Republican
• James Ruh - Republican*
• Samantha Hand - Democrat
• Ronald K. Yoder - Democrat

Hillsborough Township Board of Education

There are four candidates running for the three, three-year full-term seats up for grabs on the BOE:

• Cassandra Kragh
• Paul Marini
• Cynthia DeCavalcante Nurse*
• Pritpal S. Phanda

Hillsborough School District Referendum

Hillsborough voters will also be asked to vote on two proposals by the Hillsborough Board of Education. Read More: Hillsborough Asked To Spend $2.8M For School Security, Add Staffing

Proposal 1: The first proposal is seeking $934,636 in additional funds to be used exclusively to create a security department, including salaries and other compensation, benefits, uniforms, and supplies for a supervisor and nine security officers.

This would add 1 unarmed building monitor at every school and 1 person in charge of all school safety and security efforts.

Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. These proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Proposal 2: The second proposal is seeking an additional $1,901,880 in funds to be be used exclusively to hire 20 additional staff for the purpose of reducing class sizes and adding program offerings, interventionists, and mental health supports, and will include salaries, benefits, and classroom supplies.

Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. These proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

• Douglas Singleterry - Democrat*
• Paul Drake - Democrat*
• Donald Lemma - Republican
• Daniel Gallic - Republican

New Jersey Legislative District 16 Senate

• Andrew Zwicker - Democrat*
• Michael Pappas - Republican
• Richard J. Byrne - Libertarian

New Jersey Legislative District 16 Assembly

• Roy Freiman - Democrat*
• Mitchelle Drulis - Democrat
• Ross Traphagen - Republican
• Grace Zhang - Republican

When To Vote

Early Voting: Oct. 28 - Nov. 5

In-person voting at six locations throughout Somerset County will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday during this period. Votes cast during early voting are considered complete, and there will not be an opportunity to amend them.

Eligible voters who have not requested a mail-in ballot may cast their vote during this period at any of the following locations:

• BERNARDS TOWNSHIP Bernards Township Community Center Garage, 289 South Maple Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ
• BRIDGEWATER Municipal Court, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater NJ
• FRANKLIN Community Center, 505 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ
• HILLSBOROUGH Municipal Building , 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough NJ
• MONTGOMERY Municipal Building, 100 Community Drive, Skillman NJ
• NORTH PLAINFIELD Community Center, 614 Greenbrook Road, North Plainfield, NJ

Election Day: The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 7 with polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where Can I Vote?

Vote In-Person On Election Day

• Municipal Building, 379 South Branch Road (Districts 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 21, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34)
• Auten Road Intermediate School, 281 Auten Road (Districts 2, 13, 14, 16, 19, 33)
• Hillsborough High School Library-Side Entrance, 466 Raider Blvd. (Districts 4, 18, 22, 23, 31)
• Hillsborough Middle School, 260 Triangle Road (Districts 5, 6, 7, 12, 17, 35)
• Woods Road Firehouse, 324 Woods Road (Districts 9, 11, 20, 25, 27)

Dropbox:

Located at the Hillsborough Municipal Building, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough.

The boxes are all outside and under surveillance 24/7. They resemble a USPS Blue Mailbox, but are Red, White & Blue and display "Somerset County – Official Ballot Drop Box." Boxes will be available for ballot drop off 24 hours daily from Sept. 22 until 8 p.m. Election Night Nov. 7.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.