Voter Service Report Fall 2014

Voter Registration

Stonebridge – September 10

Registration forms taken by voter – 6

Princeton Farmers' Market – Thursday, September 25

Registration forms taken by voter – 5

Vote-by-Mail Applications – 1

McCaffrey's – Saturday, September 27

Registration forms taken by voter – 11

Vote-by-Mail Applications – 3

Montgomery Farmers' Market – September 27

Registration forms taken by voter – 4

Trenton Farmers' Market – October 11

Registration forms taken by voter – 11

Registrations - 1

Vote-by-Mail Applications – 13

West Windsor Farmers' Market

September 6 – 14 Registrations, 3 Vote-by Mail Applications

September 13 – 6 Registrations

September 20 – 8 Registrations 2 Vote-by-Mail Applications

September 27 – 2 Registrations 1 Vote-by-Mail Applications

Voters' Guides

The written responses of candidates for School Board in Princeton, West Windsor-Plainsboro, and Montgomery, and those of the two candidates for Montgomery Township Committee were published in a special Election 2014 section of the Princeton Packet on Friday, October 24, and posted on the League website. Sandy Shapiro reported that the election brought an upsurge of viewers to our website, with 590 page views on November 4 and 423 on November 3, and 1,744 for October 6 through November 5.

In covering the contest for the Princeton Board of Education this fall, Town Topics referred frequently to the League's Voters' Guide and quoted one candidate's responses in their entirety because the candidate, ultimately the winner, had responded only to the League during her entire campaign.

Forums

12th Congressional District

In June, the LWV-Princeton Area was approached by Har Sinai Temple in Pennington to hold a forum for the two candidates for the 12th Congressional District. The Leagues of Lawrence Township and Hopewell Valley agreed to co-sponsor. Invitations were sent to the candidates but only Dr. Eck replied. In an August press release, she challenged Bonnie Watson Coleman to answer the League's invitation. The Coleman campaign then suggested October 23 at The College of New Jersey. The League could not afford TCNJ but the temple was available, so a forum there was offered. The League was then informed that Ms. Watson-Coleman was unable to commit to the 23rd, due to scheduling beyond her control. The campaign suggested October 22. With neither a venue nor moderator available for that date, the co-sponsors withdrew the invitation.

On October 8, TCNJ called to ask for the League's sponsorship of a debate arranged by the candidates and the political science department to be held at TCNJ on October 22. Chrystal Schivell directed the caller to LWV-New Jersey, who provided a moderator, Sandy Matsen. However, no one from the campaigns or TCNJ contacted Sandy Matsen, and ultimately she was not needed. The League had no role in the debate that took place.

Princeton Board of Education

A proposed forum among the four candidates for the three seats on the Princeton Board of Education had to be canceled when one of the candidates did not agree to participate. Questions arose and were answered about whether the open seat rule applies when more than one seat is open and about whether to reveal the names of candidates who refuse to debate. Ultimately Chrystal published a letter to the editor revealing the name of the candidate who refused to participate in the forum.

Montgomery Board of Education

The Montgomery Township Board of Education Forum was held on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 at the Upper Middle School Media Center in Montgomery. Nicole Plett moderated, Lee Forbes was timekeeper, and Melissa Scott screened. Five candidates answered questions from an audience of 30, who filled the available chairs. The forum lasted 90 minutes and was videotaped by school district staff for airing on the local cable channel (Comcast 27). Sandy Shapiro converted the DVD for posting on the League website. Special thanks go to Paula Simpkins for initiating the forum and pulling it off, to the Montgomery School District for hosting, and to Debra O'Reilly of the Montgomery Township Education Association for laying the groundwork.