Election 2024: Washington Twp. Committee Candidate John Holt

LONG VALLEY, NJ — In the 2024 general election, Washington Township residents will be voting for local school board seats and Town Council members, as well as some Morris County offices. They'll also see candidates for the presidential race, and for their representatives in Congress.

Patch has asked local candidates in contested races to answer some questions about their campaigns, which we've included below.

As a quick note, early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 26, and the general election is on Tuesday, Nov 5.

Here is the candidate profile of John Holt, candidate for the Washington Township Committee on the Democratic ticket.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out the same questions to all candidates, using the email addresses listed for their campaign on the county clerk’s office. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 5 general election; any questions that the candidate did not answer will be left out. Local candidates who would like to participate but did not receive an email (for whatever reason) can contact Michelle.Rotuno-Johnson@patch.com.

Name: John Holt

Town Of Residence: Washington Township (Morris)

Education: Bates College (B.A.); University Of Kansas (M.A. - English); University Of Chicago (Ph.D - Social Thought)

Occupation: Retired educator

Candidate website: Www.Hv2024.Com

What inspired you to seek public office?

The election of Donald Trump to the presidency in 2016 led me to increase my political involvement by becoming a district representative with the local Democratic committee, and three years later I was elected chair. Today, with the Republican party having been taken over by its extreme right wing, I felt compelled to stand for local office in opposition to this disturbing trend.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am a retired academic who studied and taught a range of subjects in the humanities and social sciences. While I lack a practical experience of government, I do have a knowledge of the theoretical and historical contexts of our present political moment, and I believe our local community, and our nation, very much needs that perspective at this time.

In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing Washington Township?

The dominance of the township committee by Republicans reflects the will of the voters, and that’s as it should be. On the other hand, such dominance has led to a kind of tunnel vision that is unhealthy for the welfare of all residents, including the majority. The committee needs to broaden its perspective.

Name one thing about Washington Township that always makes you smile.

I particularly like the natural beauty of Washington Township and the “Long Valley” of its setting. This beauty is enhanced by its various local, county, and state parks. Any further development of the township must be carefully managed.

Finally, do you want to tell voters anything else about you, or your goals for this position?

I am a registered Democrat. I am loyal to the American credo announced in the Declaration of Independence and institutionalized by our national Constitution. My Republican opponents seem to be decent and honorable men, but they are loyal to a party that has become fatally corrupted by an unprincipled demagogue who has taken it over. His contempt for the rule of law and the norms and values of American democracy must be repudiated at every level of elective public office.

More info on election deadlines and early voting

For new voters, New Jersey’s deadline to register for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 15. This is also the deadline for people who need to update their registration to change their name or their address on their voter record.

In-person early voting for the general election will be Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.

Here's where to vote early in Morris County.

If you are already registered to vote and want to check your registration status or see where your polling place is, you may do so online.

Any New Jersey voter may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the application by Oct. 29, and returning it to their county clerk's office.

Then, they may return their ballot by mail, in a secure ballot drop box, or at the county Board of Elections office.

New Jersey voters will also select a U.S. Senator to replace Democrat Bob Menendez, who resigned from office after being convicted in a high-profile bribery trial. All of the state's seats in the House of Representatives are also on the ballot, and you can look up which district you live in here.

Related articles:

• See Early Voting, Candidate Info For Election Day 2024 In Long Valley
• Contested School Board Races Kick Off In Long Valley