[25][26] The Township Committee began consideration in 2012 of asking residents to approve the creation of two liquor licenses.

[27] In 2018, the committee created an ordinance allowing the sale of alcohol, after voters approved a ballot question the previous November.

The land was surveyed by John Worledge and Thomas Budd, and the community of Dorchester was laid out.

[29][32] The township government is based in the community of Leesburg in the municipal complex.

Maurice River Township is mostly rural in character and some of the land is covered by extensive forests of the Pine Barrens.

[33][34] The 2010 United States census counted 7,976 people, 1,364 households, and 970 families in the township.

[48] As of the 2000 United States census[14] there were 6,928 people, 1,332 households, and 1,012 families residing in the township.

[49] Acres of unspoiled forest and waterways allow residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

With an abundance of forests and marshlands, numerous state wildlife refuges in the area are frequented by locals for hunting, fishing, bird-watching, hiking and boating.

[50] The preservation of the unique ecosystem of the Maurice River watershed has become an important issue for some residents.

One group, Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. was formed in 1979 to provide education and organize preservation efforts.

[6][53] At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor.

[60][61][62] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew (R, Dennis Township).

[64] For the 2024-2025 session, the 1st legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Mike Testa (R, Vineland) and in the General Assembly by Antwan McClellan (R, Ocean City) and Erik K. Simonsen (R, Lower Township).

[66] As of 2025[update], members of the Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners (with party affiliation, residence and term-end year listed in parentheses) are: Douglas A. Albrecht (R, Vineland, 2025),[67] Deputy Director Antonio Romero (R, Vineland, 2027),[68] Sandra Taylor (R, Downe Township; 2026),[69] Victoria Groetsch-Lods (R, Vineland, 2025),[70] Arthur Marchand (R, Hopewell Township, 2026),[71] James Sauro (R, Vineland, 2026)[72] and Robert A. Austino (D, Bridgeton, 2027).

[89][90] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 56.3% of the vote (906 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama, who received 39.9% (642 votes), with 1,610 ballots cast among the township's 2,355 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.4%.

[91] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 57.7% of the vote (889 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry, who received 39.8% (614 votes), with 1,541 ballots cast among the township's 2,322 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 66.4.

[113] Maurice River Township is located about a one-hour drive from both Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City.

[119][120] People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Maurice River Township include: