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Photo courtesy of��washu.edu

On November 4, 2025, West Windsor took part in the 2025 general election, where voters cast their ballots for governor, mayor, township councils and committees, and seats on the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School Board. These elections determine the policies and leadership that directly impact education, development, and infrastructure within our community.

This year, eligible voting seniors in high school participated in the voting process for the very first time, playing a large role in local politics and the policies that will soon emerge. From education to funding to project developments, it’s these new voters that will define the future of West Windsor.

For many, this year’s election brought a mixture of excitement and curiosity. “Even if we’re just learning about it... it still feels important to know what’s happening,” says a local high school senior, emphasizing the importance of learning about the community’s political atmosphere. “I truly believe that it’s imperative for us to vote...[many] won’t mention these things since we’re still young, but educating ourselves on these topics, and on the upcoming elections is necessary to make sure our demographic is actually represented.”

Some students view voting as a way to safeguard issues that they find important. “I have hopes for Sherrill. I think I find the [gubernatorial] election most important, because it’s statewide...it has a larger impact, not just on, like, Mercer, but across New Jersey too,” notes another voting senior, who voted in the gubernatorial election this election season. When discussing Sherrill, she talks about policies she finds most important, such as her promise to protect K-12 education and her commitment to ensure public schools receive adequate funding. “And that’s so important. It’s directly affecting us...it’s the fact that my voice is now heard on issues that are most affecting me, and what I want is finally being shown in these elections.”

Others have their attention directed to more local elections, such as the WW-P School Board election. “I am extremely invested in choosing the correct candidate for this election. I am looking for a stronger level of communication between the community and the school board as I have found we have been lacking,” says a West Windsor student. For many, the school board elections highlight a time to bring direct change to our learning environments, not just in West-Windsor, but in neighboring communities in Plainsboro as well. “With so much uncertainty in our world today I am [desperate] to make some difference in our community to give us and future students and families in West Windsor stability, and help concrete the image of an inclusive community.”

Here at ���ϳԹ���, we appreciate everyone that voted this election season, and encourage everyone, no matter their voting eligibility, to remain engaged in local and statewide matters. Even for those who can’t yet vote, staying informed and promoting awareness are impactful in influencing the local policies that affect us. Each ballot cast by young voters adds newer perspectives that reflect our community’s ideals, demonstrating that civic engagement isn’t bound by age, but by curiosity, awareness, and a passion to build a better future.