Decision Day: Hopatcong-Sparta Election Survival Guide

Election day is Tuesday and Patch wants to make sure you are ready to cast your votes on the state, county and local level.

New Jersey's top spot is up for grabs as Republican Chris Christie takes on Democrat Barbara Buono in his quest to retain the governor's job.

The Republican state senate team from our 24th District is facing ballot challengers from the Democratic Party.

On the county level, Repubican Sheriff Michael Strada is running unopposed. Surrogate Gary Chuisano of the GOP is being challenged by outspoken Independent candidate Robert "Bob" Morris. The freeholder board lineup likely will stay the same, as Republican incumbents Richard Vohden and George Graham face no opposition on the ballot.

There are two open seats on the Hopatcong Borough Council up for grabs and two incumbents ready to fill them. Republican council members Michael Francis  and Richard Hoer are being challenged by Democrat Mara Modes  and Independent John Pezzino in a race whose conflicts have spilled into Patch's comment sections.

No municipal races are on the ballot for Sparta Township for this election.

In ostensibly nonpolitical races, Boards of Education in Hopatcong and Sparta will be featured during Tuesday's election. 

In Hopatcong, new blood is guaranteed, whatever happens: Three seats are open, but only two sitting members are running to keep their spots, Frank J. Farrruggia, Jr.  and Michele Perrotti. The race features teenage candidate Anthony Fasano, Amber Charlebois, John H. Maine and Joan Reilly. There is also vocal support (see the comments below) for write-in BOE candidates Glenda Hampton and Sarah Schindelar. School board candidates took part in nonpartisan forums sponsored by the Hopatcong Democratic Club and the Hopatcong Elementary Parent Teacher Organization last month. Among the issues discussed and debated were improving communication, school security, achieving more fiscal responsibility in the district and boosting school rankings.

In Sparta, only one incumbent school board member, Douglas McKernan is running for re-election. He will compete for one of the three available openings against challengers Kelly Anne McEvoy, Brenda Beebe, Dorothy LaBeau, James Todd Muth and Keith M. Smith.  

Tuesday's election also will offer voters an opportunity to weigh in on two ballot questions. One asks whether the state constitution should be amended to allow veterans' groups to use games of chance as a means of raising funds. The second asks whether the constitution should be altered to set a statewide minimum wage rate of at least $8.25 per hour with annual increases to keep up with the cost of living. 

Polling places will be open from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday.

Patch has posted a list of polling locations for Hopatcong and Sparta.  Check out our complete candidates' list.