Your Guide to the General Election

The general election is Tuesday so Patch is bringing you the information you need to cast your vote. In addition to the local elections in Westwood and Washington Township, residents will vote for members of the Senate, General Assembly, County Clerk, Surrogate and Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Local Westwood Election:

Two Republican incumbents are running against two Democratic challengers for two open council seats in Westwood. Councilman John J. Sciara first ran for his seat in 2002 and Councilwoman Cynthia Waneck began her time on the council six years ago. Democrats Philip Cerruti, who currently sits on the Westwood Planning Board, and David Fischer are also running. Click for a full rundown of how the candidates answered questions about their plans.

There are three men running in the race for mayor in Westwood. Current Mayor John Birkner Jr. is running as a Democrat, current Council President Robert Miller is running as a Republican and former Mayor Thomas Wanner is running as an Independent. Click to see how each candidate answered several questions.

Local Washington Township Election:

Three Republican incumbents are running unopposed to retain their seats on the council. Glenn Beckmeyer, Steve Cascio and Richard Hrbek will appear on the ballot for Washington Township voters. Beckmeyer and Cascio also ran unopposed last year. Hrbek has been a member of the township's governing body for more than eight years.

Hrbek said, "I hope to provide the leadership necessary to build consensus that is required to move forward on resolving the issues."

State Senate/General Assembly Race:

Current Sen. Gerald Cardinale, a Republican from Demarest, is running against Democratic challenger Lorraine M. Waldes of River Vale for the State Senate.

In the General Assembly race, five candidates are running for two open seats. Republican incumbent Robert Schroeder, of Washington Township, is running with Holly Schepisi, who took the place of Charlotte Vandervalk in September after she decided not to re-run for her Assembly seat. Democrats Anthony N. Iannarelli Jr. and Michael J. McCarthy and Independent Clinton Bosca are also on the ballot.

Click here to read a preview of the District 39 election from NJ Spotlight and for coverage of a recent debate.

County Clerk/Surrogate Race:

Democrat John S. Hogan of Northvale is running against Republican Elizabeth Randall of Westwood. Randall is currently serving as county clerk.

Democratic incumbent Michael R. Dressler is running against Republican Andrew Cimiluca for one Surrogate seat.

Board of Chosen Freeholders Race:

Five candidates are running for two open seats for the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Democrat David Ganz of Fair Lawn is the only incumbent in the race. He is running with Democrat Joan Voss of Fort Lee. Republicans Joel Brizzi of East Rutherford and Anthony W. Rottino of Franklin Lakes and Incumbent Edward M. Brunner are in the race.

Click to read coverage of a recent debate.