The Township of Princeton governing body is a Committee form of government chartered by the State of New Jersey under NJSA 40A:63-1. The township form of government is the oldest form of municipal government in the State of New Jersey originating with the Township Act of 1798. This form of municipal government patterned after the New England Township meeting, was modified numerous times throughout the 19th century. At the end of the 19th century, the law was modified to abolish the township meeting and replace it with a township committee that was vested with all municipal powers.
Under the current township government laws as they apply to Princeton Township, five Committee members are elected at-large in partisan elections to serve staggered three-year terms. The Mayor is elected by the Committee and serves a one-year term as does the Deputy Mayor. The Mayor serves as the Chairperson of the Committee and exercises executive powers vested in the Mayor's Office by law. All legislative powers are assigned to the Committee. One hundred five municipalities of the five hundred sixty-six municipalities in New Jersey operate with a five member Committee form of local government.
An Administrator is also empowered by ordinance to serve in an executive capacity and direct the day-to-day operations of the Township.
