Voter Turnout Lower This Year in Westwood Than Last Two

With contested races for both mayor and two council seats in Westwood, just 38.35 percent of registered voters came out to cast their ballots Tuesday, according to the borough clerk's office.

Last year, turnout was 44.61 percent and in 2009 it was 51.53 percent. The local council race in 2010 was uncontested with Robert Miller and Ingrid Quinn running unopposed to retain their seats. Voters chose Rep. Scott Garrett, County Executive Kathleen Donovan, Sherriff Michael Saudino and freeholders in that race.

In 2009, in addition to choosing Governor Christie, there were contested races for the Assembly and freeholders, along with the ballot question asking voters if they wanted Pascack Valley Hospital to reopen. Republican Councilmen Peter Grefrath and William Phayre were also victorious that year over two opponents.

Westwood voters traditionally choose Republican candidates, though there are some exceptions. In Tuesday's election, voters chose Democratic Mayor John Birkner Jr. to continue in the borough. He beat his two challengers by a wide margin. But in all of the other races, Westwood voters favored Republican candidates.

Here is a breakdown of how Westwood voters cast their ballots Tuesday, according to the unofficial results from the borough clerk's office: