Mail-in ballots are arriving, and sample ballots have been released across Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, and Pennington, marking the official start of New Jersey’s 2025 general election season. Voters will decide on local offices, major ballot questions, and the next governor of New Jersey.
Local Contests and Questions
Hopewell Township voters face a contested Township Committee race, with Democratic incumbent Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning and Deputy Mayor David Chait running against Republicans Edward Jackowski and Steven Niederer for two open seats. On the school board side, three candidates — Hope Cotter, Amanda Stylianou, and William Keithler — are seeking two available seats on the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education.
Hopewell Borough voters will see Democratic nominees Krista Weaver and Paul Buda unopposed for Borough Council. Borough residents also face a high-profile public question: whether to sell the municipal water system to New Jersey American Water for $6.4 million. The interpretive statement notes the sale would pay off Borough debt, invest at least $7 million in capital improvements, and lower water bills for most residents. A “No” vote would keep the system under Borough ownership, requiring millions in upgrades and potentially higher rates to cover the costs.
Pennington Borough residents will choose two members of the Common Council, with Democrats Katrina Angarone and Amy Kassler-Taub running unopposed for the seats.
Across all three municipalities, voters will decide on the Hopewell Valley Regional School District’s two-question, $84.2 million bond referendum, which includes renovations, HVAC and roofing upgrades, and additions at Bear Tavern Elementary and Toll Gate Grammar schools. State aid is expected to cover 40% of eligible project costs in Question 1. Question 1 must pass for Question 2 to be considered.
Countywide Races
Mercer County voters will also select officials for key county offices:
- County Clerk (5-year term): Democratic Incumbent Paula Sollami Covello is running against Shaolin Brown
- Board of County Commissioners (3-year term, vote for two): Nina D. Melker (Democrat), Cathleen M. Lewis (Democrat), Daniel J. Hanley Jr. (Republican), and Alexander DiFalco (Republican)
- General Assembly, 15th Legislative District (2-year term, vote for two): Incumbents Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (Democrat) and Anthony S. Verrelli (Democrat) are running unopposed.
Statewide Governor’s Race
At the top of the ballot is the New Jersey governor’s race. Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill and Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli submitted official candidate statements to voters.
Sherrill frames her campaign around affordability, accountability, and protecting rights. She pledges to declare a State of Emergency on utility rate increases on day one, expand affordable healthcare access, and modernize state agencies to improve efficiency. “The thought of not being able to raise your kids or retire with dignity in Jersey is simply unacceptable. And I won’t tolerate it,” she writes, adding that she’ll “stand up to anyone, from special interests to my party, to deliver for our state.”
Ciattarelli emphasizes restoring affordability and fiscal discipline. His statement focuses on cutting property taxes, reducing government waste, and making New Jersey more business friendly. He positions himself as a reformer ready to hold Trenton accountable and lower costs for families.
Key Voting Information
Mercer County election deadlines include:
- October 14: Voter registration deadline.
- October 25 – November 2: Early voting period. Locally, early voting will take place at Pennington Fire Company, 120 Broemel Place, with hours Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- November 4: Election Day. Polls are open 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. or placed in a secure drop box.
Ballot drop boxes are available countywide, including at the Hopewell Township Administration Building on Washington Crossing-Pennington Road.
MercerMe Candidate Q&A Coming Soon
MercerMe has reached out to local candidates for municipal councils and school board and will be publishing their responses in the coming week to help voters make informed decisions.
