Sparta voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to expand cannabis retail in the township, according to election numbers that showcased Sussex County's usual heavy Republican lean in most races as well as a handful of challengers unseating incumbents.

There were 5,948 "no" votes on the Sparta ballot question, compared to 3,126 in favor of expanding cannabis sales, according to unofficial vote totals posted on the county clerk's website shortly before 10 p.m. The referendum would have allowed the council to adopt an ordinance revisiting the township code allowing cannabis retail business.

The measure is non-binding, meaning it simply seeks input from voters and is not a final council decision.

Sussex County saw a total of 11 contested races in the Nov. 4 general election: five each fo

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