[24] The township was named for Benjamin Olive, a colonial-era Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey who donated land for the site of churches constructed in the area.

[1][2] Budd Lake (with a 2010 Census population of 8,968[30]) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Mount Olive Township.

[31][32][33] Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Bartley, Flanders, Saxton Falls and Waterloo.

The mayor operates the government with the assistance of a Township Administrator, with the Council performing a legislative role.

[25] Mount Olive Township is governed under the Optional Municipal Charter Law's (Faulkner Act) Mayor-Council form of government (Plan E), enacted based on the recommendations of a Charter Study Commission.

The Mayor is responsible for carrying out all Council decisions and for the day-to-day operation of all functions of the municipality.

The Township Council is the legislative branch of the government and is responsible for approving the municipal budget and enacting ordinances.

[51] As of 2023[update], the Mayor of Mount Olive Township is Republican Robert Greenbaum, whose term of office ends December 31, 2023.

[52][53][54][55][56][57] In January 2023, Chuck Aaron was sworn in to fill the seat expiring in December 2025 that became vacant following the death of Daniel Amianda the previous November.

Aaron will serve on an interim basis until the November 2023 general election, when voters will select a candidate to fill the balance of the term of office.

[58] In July 2015, the Township Council selected Gregory Stewart from three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2017 that had been held by Ray Perkins until his resignation from office to move out of the township, after having served 13 years in office; Stewart will serve on an interim basis until the November 2016 general election, when voters will choose a candidate to serve the one year remaining on the term of office.

[59] Serving a term ending December 2013, Patrick Walsh resigned from office in February 2013, citing internal conflicts in the township's Republican Party government.

[62] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).

[64] For the 2024-2025 session, the 24th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Parker Space (R, Wantage Township) and in the General Assembly by Dawn Fantasia (R, Franklin) and Mike Inganamort (R, Chester Township).

[66] Actual day-to-day operation of departments is supervised by County Administrator Deena Leary.

[94] In the 2024 presidential election, 14,593 ballots were cast from a potential of 22,176 registered voters marking 65.8% participation.

[111][112][113] The Mount Olive Public Library serves the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational resource of the township.

[124] The Seward Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 24, 2013, for its significance in architecture.

[128] Established in 1936 on a former farm covering 126 acres (51 ha), the park includes picnic and recreational facilities, a banquet hall and a research library.

[130] People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Mount Olive Township include: