The Union County Clerk’s Office has announced the release of the 2026 Union County Election Calendar, a trusted resource that provides residents with important election dates, deadlines, and voting information for the upcoming year.
The 2026 Election Calendar is now available to the public and can be ordered online by visiting the Union County Clerk’s website and clicking on the Election Calendar link.
In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, this year’s Election Calendar features a special historical theme honoring the men and women patriots who lived in Elizabethtown—present-day Elizabeth and Union County—during the birth of our nation. The theme highlights the area’s significant role in the American Revolution and celebrates the civic spirit that continues to define Union County today.
“Providing clear, accessible election information is one of the most important responsibilities of the Clerk’s Office,” said Joanne Rajoppi, Union County Clerk. “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s calendar not only serves as a practical guide for voters, but also honors the patriots from our own communities whose dedication helped shape our democracy.”
The Union County Election Calendar has become a popular and widely used tool for residents, community organizations, and local governments. It outlines key dates for voter registration, vote-by-mail, early voting, and Election Day, helping residents stay informed and engaged in the democratic process.
Residents are encouraged to order their free copy of the 2026 Election Calendar online while supplies last.
For more information or to request a calendar, visit the Union County Clerk’s website at https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/.
El Tribunal de Sucesiones del Condado de Union ofrecerá ceremonias de boda gratuitas el Día de San Valentín de 2026, brindando a las parejas la oportunidad de casarse sin costo alguno. Las ceremonias serán oficiadas por el Juez Testamentario del Condado de Union, Christopher Hudak, el 14 de febrero de 2026, en la Casa Club del Campo de Golf Galloping Hill en Kenilworth.
“Mi oficina se dedica a ayudar a los residentes del Condado de Union en los momentos más importantes de sus vidas, y nos complace ser parte de la alegría que conlleva la celebración del matrimonio en el Día de San Valentín”, dijo el Juez Hudak. “Me enorgullece destacar este servicio en un día que trae una inmensa alegría a las parejas”.
Las ceremonias se programarán mensualmente por orden de llegada. Para registrarse, visite https://ucnj.org/surrogate/weddings. Los participantes deben obtener toda la documentación necesaria para la licencia matrimonial en la Oficina del Registro Civil de su Municipio en el Condado de Union antes del evento programado.
“Programas como este reflejan el compromiso del Condado de Union de brindar servicios significativos y centrados en los residentes”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados, Joseph C. Bodek. “Felicitamos al Juez Hudak y a su oficina por crear una oportunidad que permite a las parejas celebrar el matrimonio de una manera inclusiva y acogedora, garantizando al mismo tiempo que los servicios del Condado sigan siendo accesibles para todos”.
El Tribunal de Sucesiones del Condado de Union agradece a la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, al Departamento de Parques del Condado de Union y a Kemper Sports por su apoyo para hacer posibles estas ceremonias de boda gratuitas.
Desde el 2025, las parejas han podido programar una ceremonia de boda oficiada por el Juez Christopher Hudak sin costo alguno. Las ceremonias se llevan a cabo en el Centro Deportivo Warinanco en el Parque Warinanco, Roselle.
Esta iniciativa refleja el compromiso continuo del Juez de Sucesiones de modernizar y aumentar la accesibilidad a los servicios del Tribunal de Sucesiones para todos los residentes del Condado de Union. Para obtener más información o programar una ceremonia, comuníquese con el Tribunal de Sucesiones del Condado de Union en marryme@ucnj.org o visite www.ucnj.org/surrogate.
Esta mañana, en la 169ª Reunión de Reorganización de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, el Comisionado Joseph C. Bodek prestó juramento como Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados. El Presidente Bodek anunció sus iniciativas para el 2026 bajo el lema “Condado de Union 2026: Honrando el Pasado, Fortaleciendo Nuestro Futuro”, haciendo hincapié en la gestión responsable, la continuidad y el fortalecimiento de los programas y servicios en los que confían los residentes a diario.
“El Condado de Union tiene una sólida base construida por generaciones de residentes, líderes y servidores públicos que se preocuparon profundamente por esta comunidad”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados, Joseph C. Bodek. “Como Presidente, mi objetivo es honrar ese legado y, al mismo tiempo, fortalecer el trabajo que realizamos hoy, asegurando que nuestros servicios sigan siendo confiables, accesibles y respondan a las necesidades de nuestros residentes. Juntos, continuaremos impulsando el Condado de Union con propósito, responsabilidad y respeto por quienes nos precedieron”.
El Presidente Bodek se unió a la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union en el 2023, tras ser nombrado para cubrir una vacante el 14 de diciembre de 2022. Su compromiso con el servicio público se basa en décadas de experiencia en el gobierno local y una profunda comprensión de cómo funcionan y prosperan las comunidades.
Residente de Nueva Jersey de toda la vida, el Presidente Bodek creció en Jersey City y vive en Linden desde que se graduó de la escuela secundaria, donde reside actualmente con su esposa, Christine. Es padre de dos hijos, Joseph John Bodek y Beth Ann Rivera, y abuelo de Evelyn, Adalyn y Aria.
La carrera de servicio público del Presidente Bodek abarca más de cuatro décadas. Su primer cargo electo fue como miembro de la Junta de Educación de Linden a partir de 1981, donde sirvió durante más de 12 años. En 1989, se convirtió en Secretario de la Autoridad de Servicios Públicos del Condado de Union, cargo que ocupó durante más de 30 años, supervisando las operaciones de gestión de residuos sólidos ambientalmente responsables, antes de renunciar para convertirse en Comisionado del Condado.
Como Comisionado del Condado, el Presidente Bodek ha formado parte de numerosas juntas y comités, incluyendo la Junta de Estimaciones del Union County College, la Junta de Estimaciones de la Escuela Vocacional-Técnica del Condado de Union, la Junta Asesora de Residuos Sólidos, la Junta de Apelaciones de Construcción, la Junta Asesora de Accesibilidad para Votantes del Condado de Union y la Liga de Municipios de Nueva Jersey. Además, continúa desempeñándose como Secretario Municipal de la Ciudad de Linden, cargo que ocupa desde hace más de una década.
Las Iniciativas del Presidente Bodek para 2026 se centran en honrar la historia del Condado de Union y, al mismo tiempo, fortalecer las bases para el futuro. Esto incluye la conmemoración del 250.º aniversario de la fundación de los Estados Unidos a través de programas educativos y comunitarios que destacan el papel del Condado de Union durante la Revolución Americana, así como la conmemoración del 25.º aniversario del 11 de septiembre de 2001. Las iniciativas también hacen hincapié en el fortalecimiento de los servicios esenciales del Condado, el avance de la seguridad pública y la preparación ante emergencias, la inversión en parques, la protección del medio ambiente y la mejora de la calidad de vida, y la ampliación de oportunidades para la juventud y la participación comunitaria a través de programas de recreación, educación y desarrollo personal.
En la reunión de reorganización, la Comisionada Rebecca L. Williams juró su cargo como Vicepresidenta de la Junta. La Secretaria del Condado, Joanne Rajoppi, y la Comisionada Rebecca L. Williams juraron sus cargos para nuevos mandatos, mientras que Stanley J. Neron y Joseph Signorello III juraron sus cargos para su primer mandato como Comisionados del Condado de Union.
El Presidente Bodek también reconoció a la Presidenta saliente, Lourdes M. Leon, por su liderazgo durante 2025, agradeciéndole por guiar a la Junta con colaboración, accesibilidad y un fuerte enfoque en la participación ciudadana y la prestación de servicios.
Durante la reunión, los Comisionados también votaron sobre los nombramientos para diversas juntas asesoras del Condado y aprobaron el calendario y el reglamento interno de la Junta para el 2026.
Los residentes pueden obtener más información sobre la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union y las Iniciativas del Presidente para 2026 visitando www.ucnj.org
The Union County Surrogate’s Court will offer free wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day 2026, giving couples the opportunity to get married at no cost. The ceremonies will be officiated by Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak on February 14, 2026, at the Clubhouse at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.
“My office is focused on assisting Union County residents through the most meaningful moments in our lives, and we look forward to being part of the joy that comes with the celebration of marriage on Valentine’s Day,” said Surrogate Hudak. “I am proud to highlight this service on a day that brings tremendous joy to couples.”
Ceremonies will be scheduled monthly on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, please visit https://ucnj.org/surrogate/weddings. Participants are required to obtain all licensing paperwork from their Union County municipal registrar’s office prior to the scheduled event.
“Programs like this reflect Union County’s commitment to providing meaningful, resident-focused services,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We commend Surrogate Hudak and his office for creating an opportunity that allows couples to celebrate marriage in an inclusive and welcoming way, while ensuring County services remain accessible to all.”
The Union County Surrogate’s Court thanks the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Union County Parks Department, and Kemper Sports for their support in making these free wedding ceremonies possible.
Since 2025, couples have been able to schedule a wedding ceremony officiated by Surrogate Christopher Hudak at no charge. Ceremonies are conducted at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, Roselle.
This initiative reflects the Surrogate’s ongoing commitment to modernizing and increasing accessibility to Surrogate Court services for all Union County residents. For more information or to schedule a ceremony, please contact the Union County Surrogate’s Court at marryme@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/surrogate.
Chairman Bodek Delivering 2026 SpeechCommissioner Williams Swearing InJoseph Bodek Chairman Swearing InCommissioner Williams Vice Chair Swearing inStanley Neron Swearing InJoseph Signorello III Swearing InCommissioners & Clerk of the BoardSenate President Nicholas ScutariCommissioners, County Clerk, Gov-Elect, Senate PresidentCounty Clerk RajoppiGovernor Elect Sherrill
At the 169th Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Joseph C. Bodek was sworn in as Chairman of the Commissioner Board. Chairman Bodek announced his Chairman’s Initiatives for 2026 under the theme, “Union County 2026: Honoring the Past, Strengthening Our Tomorrow,” emphasizing stewardship, continuity, and strengthening the programs and services residents rely on every day.
“Union County has a strong foundation built by generations of residents, leaders, and public servants who cared deeply about this community,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As Chairman, my focus is on honoring that legacy while strengthening the work we do today — ensuring our services remain reliable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our residents. Together, we will continue moving Union County forward with purpose, responsibility, and respect for those who came before us.”
Chairman Bodek joined the Union County Board of County Commissioners in 2023 after being appointed to fill a vacancy on December 14, 2022. His commitment to public service is rooted in decades of experience in local government and a deep understanding of how communities function and thrive.
A lifelong New Jersey resident, Chairman Bodek grew up in Jersey City and has lived in Linden since graduating high school, where he continues to reside with his wife, Christine. He is the proud father of two children — Joseph John Bodek and Beth Ann Rivera — and grandfather to Evelyn, Adalyn, and Aria.
Chairman Bodek’s public service career spans more than four decades. He first served in elected office as a member of the Linden Board of Education beginning in 1981, where he served for more than 12 years. In 1989, he became Clerk to the Union County Utilities Authority, a role he held for more than 30 years, overseeing environmentally responsible solid waste operations before stepping down to become a County Commissioner.
As a County Commissioner, Chairman Bodek has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Union County College Board of School Estimates, Union County Vocational-Technical School Board of Estimates, Solid Waste Advisory Board, Construction Board of Appeals, Union County Voter Accessibility Advisory Board, and the New Jersey League of Municipalities. In addition, he continues to serve as City Clerk for the City of Linden, a position he has held for over a decade.
Chairman Bodek’s 2026 Chairman’s Initiatives focus on honoring Union County’s history while strengthening the foundation for the future. This includes recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States through educational and community-based programming that highlights Union County’s role during the American Revolution, as well as thoughtfully commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The initiatives also emphasize reinforcing core County services, advancing public safety and emergency preparedness, investing in parks, environmental stewardship, and quality-of-life improvements, and expanding opportunities for youth and community engagement through recreation, education, and enrichment programs.
At the Reorganization Meeting, Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams was sworn in as Vice Chair of the Board. County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams were sworn in for new terms of office, while Stanley J. Neron and Joseph Signorello III were sworn in for their first terms as Union County Commissioners.
Chairman Bodek also recognized outgoing Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon for her leadership throughout 2025, thanking her for guiding the Board with collaboration, accessibility, and a strong focus on resident engagement and service delivery.
During the meeting, the Commissioners also voted on appointments to various County advisory boards and approved the Board’s 2026 schedule and procedural rules.
Residents can learn more about the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the 2026 Chairman’s Initiatives by visiting www.ucnj.org.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, a través de la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y del Patrimonio, se complace en anunciar su primer evento del año en celebración del 250 aniversario de la Revolución Americana. La conferencia “Los Lenape: Nativos Americanos, Nueva Jersey e Historia Americana“, presentada por el Dr. Sean P. Harvey, Profesor de Historia de la Universidad de Seton Hall, explorará la rica y compleja historia del pueblo Lenape que habitó Nueva Jersey durante la colonización europea. Este evento gratuito e informativo tendrá lugar el martes 27 de enero a las 18:00 horas en el Museo Liberty Hall en Union, en el antiguo cobertizo de carruajes. Los asistentes pueden inscribirse previamente en www.ucnj.org/250.
“El 250 aniversario de la Revolución Americana es un momento que todos podemos celebrar juntos como comunidad. Nos conecta no solo con nuestros antepasados que lucharon valientemente en estas batallas históricas, sino también con las raíces de las ciudades donde vivimos y los lugares que nos gusta visitar”, declaró la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Lourdes M. Leon. “Al explorar nuestro pasado a través de seminarios de historia, como nuestra presentación sobre los Lenape, podemos comprender cómo vivían nuestros antepasados y apreciar los valores de libertad y unidad que siguen siendo importantes hoy en día”.
El ponente, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, imparte cursos sobre la América Colonial, la América Revolucionaria, la Democracia, la Esclavitud y el Destino Manifiesto, así como sobre la historia de los nativos americanos antes de su desplazamiento forzado. También realiza estudios de historia estadounidense y seminarios departamentales. Es autor de Native Tongues: Colonialism and Race from Encounter to the Reservation y forma parte del consejo editorial de Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life. Además, es miembro del Consejo Asesor del Centro McNeil de Estudios de la América Temprana y del Grupo de Trabajo de Programas Académicos y Públicos de Revolution NJ, y coeditó las reseñas del Journal of the Early Republic de 2014 a 2017.
A principios de este año se creó un calendario de eventos para todo el Condado, que permite a los municipios y organizaciones autorizadas presentar sus programas conmemorativos para su aprobación e inclusión. Los residentes pueden consultar las próximas actividades y obtener más información visitando www.ucnj.org/250.
“Nos entusiasma seguir añadiendo eventos a este calendario a lo largo del año, brindando a nuestros residentes e invitados numerosas oportunidades para celebrar juntos este importante momento de nuestra historia”, declaró la Comisionada del Condado de Union, Rebecca Williams, Presidenta del Comité del 250.º Aniversario del Condado de Union. “Animo a todas las organizaciones históricas y grupos comunitarios locales a que envíen sus eventos del 250.º Aniversario a nuestro correo electrónico para su revisión”.
Se invita a los residentes, organizaciones históricas y grupos comunitarios a que envíen sus eventos relacionados con el 250.º Aniversario a través del Calendario Oficial de Eventos del 250.º Aniversario del Condado de Union, disponible en www.ucnj.org/250.
Para obtener más detalles y actualizaciones sobre la celebración, visite www.ucnj.org/250 y siga al Condado de Union en las redes sociales.
Este evento cuenta con el apoyo parcial de una subvención de la Comisión Histórica de Nueva Jersey, una división del Departamento de Asuntos Culturales del Departamento de Estado.
Para obtener más información sobre este evento y otros programas que destacan las artes y la historia del Condado de Union, comuníquese con la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y del Patrimonio del Condado de Union en 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Puede comunicarse con nosotros por teléfono al (908) 558-2550. Los usuarios del servicio de retransmisión de Nueva Jersey deben marcar el 711, o también puede enviarnos un correo electrónico a www.culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975) the Union County Planning Board has established the following meeting dates for 2026:
(All meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month except for November as this meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of the month, due to conflicting holiday, and August has no meeting scheduled unless otherwise noticed.)
January 14
February 11
March 11
April 8
May 13
June 10
July 8
September 9
October 14
November 18
December 9
All virtual board meetings will be held at 6:00 PM and any in person meetings will be held at 7 PM in the Conference Room, first floor, County Engineering Building, 2325 South Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
Under the terms of the “Open Public Act” P.L.., 1975, C. 231, and as per Resolution Number 2025-1001 adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Union on December 18, 2025, the 2026 Installation Ceremony and Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Courtroom of the Honorable Assignment Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh, at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
James E. Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Temporary Service Adjustments Expected During Transition
Union County today announced that Brooklyn Kitchen will assume operations of the County’s Senior Nutrition Program, effective January 1, 2026. The program provides nutritious meals to eligible older adults through home-delivered services and congregate meal sites throughout Union County.
“As we welcome our new partner, our top priority is ensuring that Union County seniors continue to receive their meals safely, reliably, and without interruption,” said Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We are working closely with Brooklyn Kitchen during this transition and will keep residents informed every step of the way.”
During the initial transition period, eligible seniors may notice some temporary adjustments as the new vendor ramps up operations:
Meal delivery times may vary as routes are adjusted and drivers learn new schedules. Some deliveries may arrive earlier or later than usual during the first few weeks.
Frozen meals will be provided temporarily in January before the program transitions back to hot meals. These meals meet the same nutritional standards and help ensure consistent service during the transition.
New staff will be providing service, including drivers and congregate site personnel who are being trained and on boarded. All staff are screened and trained to support senior safety and nutrition.
No changes are expected at congregate sites. All 17 congregate meal sites across Union County will continue to receive hot meals on their regular schedules.
“This program is about care, consistency, and making sure no senior goes without a meal — especially during a time of change,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “When County management learned this transition needed to happen sooner than expected, we moved quickly to put a plan in place that protects our seniors and keeps meals coming. That commitment to people — and to showing up when it matters — is something I will always be proud of.”
Eligible seniors who are already enrolled in the Senior Nutrition Program do not need to take any action to continue receiving meals. Residents with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870.
This event has been postponed. We will send out an update when an new date has been established.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, is excited to announce its first event of the new year in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The Lenape: Native Americans, New Jersey, and American History, presented by Seton Hall University history professor, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, will delve into the rich and complex history of the Lenape people who inhabited New Jersey during the European colonization. The free and informative event will take place on Tuesday, January 27th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum in Union, in the wagon shed. Attendees may pre-register at www.ucnj.org/250.
“The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is a moment we can all celebrate together as a community. It connects us not only to our ancestors who courageously fought these historic battles, but also to the roots of the cities we live in and the places we love to visit,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman, Lourdes M. Leon. “By exploring our past through history seminars like our Lenape presentation, we can understand how our ancestors lived and appreciate the values of freedom and unity that are still important today.”
Presenter Dr. Sean P. Harvey teaches courses on Colonial America, Revolutionary America, Democracy, Slavery, and Manifest Destiny, as well as Native American History before Removal. He also conducts surveys of American history and departmental seminars. He is the author of Native Tongues: Colonialism and Race from Encounter to the Reservation and serves on the Editorial Board of Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Council at the McNeil Center for Early American Studies and the Revolution NJ Scholarly and Public Programs Working Group, and co-edited Reviews for Journal of the Early Republic from 2014 to 2017.
A countywide event calendar was created earlier this year, allowing municipalities and authorized organizations to submit their commemorative programs for approval and inclusion. Residents can explore upcoming activities and learn more by visiting www.ucnj.org/250.
“We’re excited to continue adding events to this calendar throughout the year, giving our residents and guests plenty of opportunities to celebrate this significant moment in our history together,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Chair to the Union County 250th Committee. “I encourage any historical organizations and local community groups to submit their 250th Anniversary events to our email for review.”
Residents, historical organizations, and community groups are encouraged to submit their 250th Anniversary-related events through the official Union County 250th Anniversary Event Calendar, available at www.ucnj.org/250.
For more details and updates on the celebration, visit ucnj.org/250 and follow Union County on social media.
This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs.
For more information about this event and other programs highlighting the arts and the history of Union County, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. You can reach us by telephone at (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users should dial 711, or you can send an email to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
