County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, October 13, is the deadline to register to vote in the 2026 General Election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online, by mail or in person in order to register.”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept voter registration forms. On Tuesday, October 13, the voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections office will remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms.

Municipal Clerk offices can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

Voter registration forms in both English and Spanish can be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning it.

To register online, eligible residents should visit www.voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. The County Commissioner of Registration will notify applicants if their registration is accepted. If an application is not accepted, the applicant will receive information on how to complete or correct it.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen.
• You will be at least 18 years old by the next election.
• You will have been a resident of New Jersey and your county for at least 30 days before the election.
• You are not currently serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction for an indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey, another state or the United States.

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that tickets for the 2026 Great Pumpkin Sail will go on sale Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m. at ucnj.org/ticket. The popular fall event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

“The Great Pumpkin Sail is one of those traditions that brings families together and makes fall in Union County feel special,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “There is nothing quite like seeing Echo Lake filled with glowing Jack-o-Lanterns, and we look forward to welcoming families back for another memorable evening.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to have their Jack-o-Lantern added to a float and watch them sail on Echo Lake.

The event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, with three sessions scheduled. Session One will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Session Two will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Session Three will run from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Great Pumpkin Sail are sold on a per-family basis, with one ticket covering up to six family members. Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a two-ticket limit per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents and $16 per ticket for non-residents. Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern with a lid, weighing no more than eight pounds after carving.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Monday, November 2.

The Great Pumpkin Sail is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Great Pumpkin Sail and other events organized through the Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents of all ages and abilities to attend the Fall Festival for All Abilities on Sunday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.

“Our Fall Festival is a chance for individuals of all abilities and their families to enjoy a fun morning together while also connecting with organizations and services available throughout Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are proud to offer events where everyone feels welcome, included and able to participate.”

The free event will feature a petting zoo, inflatables, live music, giveaways, arts and crafts, community resources, light refreshments and more.

Representatives from community organizations and service providers will be available throughout the event to share information and connect individuals and families with helpful programs, services and resources.

Admission is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“Events like this bring recreation and resources together in one welcoming space,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Families can enjoy the activities, meet others in the community and connect directly with organizations that may be able to support them throughout the year.”

The Fall Festival for All Abilities is presented by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs provides year-round recreational programs, educational opportunities, resources and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and special needs and their families.

For more information about the Fall Festival or other programs offered by the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to attend the Aging Services Kiosk, or ASK, events scheduled throughout October. These events offer residents an opportunity to meet one-on-one with knowledgeable professionals and learn about programs and services available to Union County’s older adults and their caregivers. Bilingual assistance will be available.

“The ASK program makes it easier for our older residents and their families to get reliable information and personalized assistance close to home,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage seniors and caregivers to stop by one of our October locations, speak directly with our staff and learn about the many resources available to support them.”

ASK is operated by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, part of the Department of Human Services. The program provides adults age 60 and older, as well as their caregivers, with a convenient way to learn about available services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff can provide information and assistance related to home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, caregiver support services and other resources. They can also assist with completing forms and help residents determine which programs may best meet their needs.

“Families should not have to navigate aging services on their own,” said Union County Commissioner James E. Baker Jr., Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “ASK gives residents a welcoming place to ask questions, receive individual guidance and connect with programs that can make everyday life a little easier.”

Any Union County senior or caregiver may visit any ASK location, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is required. The October ASK schedule is as follows:

Thursday, October 8
Elizabeth Public Library, Main Library
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, October 14
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information about ASK events or other services available to seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll-free at 1-888-280-8226 or visit ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

For all Union County programs and services, visit ucnj.org, call the Public Information Line at 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online contact form.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to recognize the Union County 4-H Science Ambassador Program for bringing hands-on science activities to more than 100 students at local libraries this summer.

Through the program, 4-H Science Ambassadors visited libraries in Union, Hillside, Plainfield and Elizabeth, where they introduced students to science through engaging demonstrations and interactive activities. During a recent visit to the Plainfield Public Library, Science Ambassador James Olm of Elizabeth demonstrated the science behind creating giant bubbles.

“Programs like this give young people an opportunity to experience science in a way that is fun, approachable and memorable,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are proud of James and all of our 4-H Science Ambassadors for sharing their knowledge and encouraging younger students to remain curious about the world around them.”

The Science Ambassador Program is an educational outreach initiative of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It provides young people with opportunities to strengthen their communication and leadership skills while sharing their interest in science with children throughout the community.

“The Science Ambassador Program is a wonderful example of young people learning from one another,” said Commissioner Stanley Neron, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Our ambassadors gain valuable experience as leaders and educators, while the students they meet are introduced to science through activities that capture their attention and make them want to learn more.”

For more information about the Union County 4-H Science Ambassador Program, contact 4-H Youth Development Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854, extension 3.

To learn more about Union County 4-H clubs and programs, visit https://www.unioncountynj4h.com/4-h-club-list.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and visitors to step inside the places where local history happened during Four Centuries in a Weekend, Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, more than 30 historic sites across Union County will open their doors free of charge for tours, exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

“Union County did not simply witness American history. Our communities, residents and landmarks helped shape it,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As our nation celebrates 250 years, Four Centuries in a Weekend gives us a special opportunity to walk through the places where that history unfolded and to share those stories with a new generation. I encourage families to choose a few sites, bring their history passports and make a weekend of exploring our County together.”

This year’s program celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States, while exploring the people, places and stories that shaped Union County before, during and after the American Revolution.

Visitors can explore Revolutionary War sites, colonial-era homes, historic cemeteries, museums, a 1928 vaudeville theater, one of the nation’s earliest Black-owned country clubs, an observatory and other landmarks. Costumed interpreters, guided tours, archival displays, traditional crafts, live music and activities for children will bring different periods of Union County’s history to life.

“What makes Four Centuries in a Weekend so memorable is that every stop offers something different,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “You may hear a story you never knew, see an artifact that changes how you understand your hometown or watch your child become excited about history through a hands-on activity. I thank our local historians, site stewards and volunteers for opening these treasured places and making the past feel personal, welcoming and alive.”

2026 Program Highlights

• At the Deserted Village of Feltville in Berkeley Heights, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours, ride a hay wagon, press apple cider, roast marshmallows and meet figures from the Village’s past, including Revolutionary War soldier John Willcocks.
• The Drake House Museum in Plainfield will display the rarely shown Tree of Life quilt, reportedly made by the daughter of Declaration of Independence signer John Hart.
• The Frazee House in Scotch Plains will host The March to Yorktown on Sunday, featuring Generals Washington and Rochambeau and music by the New Jersey Fife & Drums Corps.
• At Springfield’s Cannon Ball House, visitors can sign a replica Declaration of Independence that will be preserved as a Semiquincentennial keepsake.
• The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway will offer a Sunday presentation on American history, a student reading of the Declaration of Independence and guided tours of its historic theater.
• Twin Maples in Summit will present a Sunday lecture on the important roles women played during the American Revolution.

All participating sites will offer a free Union County History Passport that visitors can stamp at each stop. Several locations within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area will also offer a special stamp for the Passport to Your National Parks book. Collectible Union County History Trading Cards highlighting notable people, places and events will be available at participating sites, with more than 80 cards to collect.

Hours vary at several locations, and some sites are open on Saturday or Sunday only. Visitors should review the complete schedule before planning their route.

Participating Sites

• Berkeley Heights: Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park; Littell-Lord Farmstead
• Clark: Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum
• Cranford: Crane-Phillips House; UCNJ Historic Tree Grove; William Miller Sperry Observatory
• Elizabeth: Belcher-Ogden Mansion and Bonnell Homestead; Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church and Snyder Academy; Boxwood Hall State Historic Site; Elizabeth Public Library
• Fanwood: Historic Fanwood Train Station Museum
• Hillside: Woodruff House, Eaton Store Museum and Phil Rizzuto All Sports Exhibit; Evergreen Cemetery
• Kenilworth: Oswald J. Nitschke House
• Mountainside: Deacon Andrew Hetfield House
• New Providence: Salt Box Museum; special Saturday archive and graveyard programs
• Plainfield: Drake House Museum; Plainfield Friends Quaker Meeting House
• Rahway: African American History and Heritage Learning Center; Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum; Union County Performing Arts Center
• Roselle: Abraham Clark House
• Scotch Plains: Frazee House; Osborn Cannonball House Museum; Shady Rest Country Club
• Springfield: Cannon Ball House
• Summit: Carter House; Reeves-Reed Arboretum; Twin Maples
• Union: Caldwell Parsonage; Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center; Connecticut Farms Church; Liberty Hall Museum
• Westfield: Burial Grounds of the Presbyterian Church; Miller-Cory House Museum; Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center; Battle of Spanktown mural presentation at the Atlas Pythagoras Lodge #10

For the complete schedule, addresses, site-specific hours and activity details, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, within the Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the staff and volunteers of participating historic sites, and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.