Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Friday, September 4, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm weather permitting. Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.
Union County Deputy Clerk, Clara Fernández announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming Roselle Special School Election are now available. Voters may obtain vote-by-mail ballots in person at either of the two Union County Clerk’s offices:
Westfield 300 North Avenue East Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(This office will be closed on Saturday, September 5, 2026)
Elizabeth 2 Broad Street, Rm 113 Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Union County Clerk’s offices will also be open on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for voters who wish to obtain or return vote-by-mail ballots. Vote-by-mail ballots have also been mailed to voters who have previously requested them.
Sample Ballots for the Roselle Special School Election are now available on the Union County Clerk’s website.
Voters are encouraged to review their Sample Ballots and all election materials carefully before voting.
The Roselle Special School Election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The ballot includes two Bond Proposal Questions for voters to consider.
For more information regarding vote-by-mail, ballot drop-off options, sample ballots, and polling locations, please visit www.unioncountyvotes.com, contact the Union County Clerk’s Office at 908-527-4996, or email ucvote@ucnj.org.
As Union County continues to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend “The History of U.S. Immigration,” a free lecture exploring how immigration has shaped the United States from its earliest days through the present.
The program will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Academic Center, located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union. The event coincides with U.S. Constitution Day and is also being presented as part of Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
“The history of immigration is inseparable from the history of the United States,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “As we continue to mark our nation’s 250th anniversary, this program gives residents an opportunity to look more closely at the generations of people who came to this country and helped shape its communities, culture and future.”
The lecture will be presented by Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre, a professor of Latin American history at Kean University. Dr. Argote-Freyre earned his Ph.D. in Latin American History from Rutgers University and is the author of Fulgencio Batista: From Revolutionary to Strongman. He also coauthored A Brief History of the Caribbean with Danilo Figueredo and served as assistant editor of the Encyclopedia of Cuba.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Argote-Freyre has been actively involved in efforts supporting immigrant rights and social justice. He previously served as Chair of the New Jersey Commission on New Americans and is President Emeritus of the Latino Action Network and Director of the Latino Coalition. Earlier in his career, he worked as a journalist, columnist and congressional press secretary.
“Constitution Day invites us to think not only about the founding of our nation, but also about the people who have carried its promise forward,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “Here in Union County, immigration is part of the history of nearly every community. This conversation will help us better understand where we came from and how those experiences continue to shape who we are today.”
The presentation is free and open to Union County residents. Advance registration is required. To register, visit www.ucnj.org/250.
This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State. The program is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in partnership with Kean University’s Center for Raising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment and Department of History. For additional information, call 908-558-2550.
America’s 250th Anniversary: On July 4, 2026, the United States marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, recognize the many people and communities that have shaped its history, and look ahead toward the future we seek to build for generations to come.
In response to the current Supreme Court decision, please be advised the Union County Clerk will be processing the Vote by Mail ballots as per New Jersey State law. Ballots are required to be in the mail to voters no later than September 19, 2026.
The State is currently in litigation with the Federal government, and at this time no one knows what the outcome will be.
If you are not comfortable at this time with receiving a Vote by Mail, you may OPT OUT by sending an email to ucvote@ucnj.org and provide your full name, address and date of birth. You will receive confirmation that you will no longer receive a Vote by Mail Ballot and may vote early or at your polling place on November 3, 2026. Please submit your request NO LATER THAN September 15, 2026.
You may receive Vote by Mail Ballots in the future by submitting a new application.
If you choose to continue to receive a Vote by Mail Ballot, it is strongly recommended that you place your ballot in the mail a minimum of 7 days prior to November 3rd or place your ballot in a secure Drop Box. Drop Box locations can be found at https://ucnj.org/boe/ballot-drop-box-locations/
Drop Box locations will be listed on your Sample Ballot.
Please call our office at (908)527-4996 if you have any questions
The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Emergencies can happen at any time and often without warning, so now is a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared.
Take a few simple steps this month: create or update your family emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, review important contact information, and make sure you know how to receive local emergency alerts.
Preparedness today can make a major difference when an emergency happens. Learn more about emergency preparedness and available resources through ReadyNJ and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is asking for your help with Bellies 2 Bottoms, a baby item collection serving vulnerable families throughout Union County communities.
From September 1–30, 2026, residents are encouraged to donate diapers, formula and baby wipes at participating Union County drop-off locations. Please remember to check expiration dates before donating.
Drop-Off Locations:
Engineering Building
2325 South Ave., Scotch Plains
8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Public Safety Building
400 North Ave. East, Westfield
8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Social Services
200 West 2nd St., 1st Floor, Plainfield
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Prosecutor’s Office
32 Rahway Ave., Elizabeth
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Administration Building
10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Every donation can help provide essential supplies to babies and families in need across Union County.
For questions, contact Judith Guest at 908-527-4388 or judith.guest@ucnj.org
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
Join us for a fun day of fishing and outdoor recreation in partnership with the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club.
This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
This event is hosted 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.
For more information about the Fall Fishing Derby and other programs and events 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 residents and families to enjoy a favorite fall tradition with the return of Hayrides & Campfires this October at Warinanco Park and the Trailside Nature & Science Center.
The annual program offers families an opportunity to enjoy a crisp fall evening outdoors with a hayride, campfire, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
“Fall is one of the best times to enjoy Union County’s parks, and our Hayrides & Campfires give families a chance to spend an evening together outdoors and enjoy a tradition that has become a favorite for so many residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage families and friends to make plans early, reserve their tickets and come enjoy a great night in our parks.”
The 2026 schedule is:
Warinanco Park
Friday, October 2 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Trailside Nature & Science Center
Sunday, October 4 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 9 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 11 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 16 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $6 for Union County residents and $12 for non-residents and go on sale Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m.All tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the event. Group sales are limited to 15 people, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ucnj.org/ticket or in person at:
Trailside Nature & Science Center 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 908-789-3670
Union County Parks Reservations Warinanco Sports Center 1 Park Drive, Roselle Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 908-527-4900
Each ticket includes one hayride, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the campfire.
Upon arrival, participants should report directly to the check-in table, where their ticket will be exchanged for a numbered hayride pass. Hayrides depart approximately every 20 minutes, with passes assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Friday participants must check in before 8:00 p.m., and Sunday participants must check in before 5:00 p.m. Participants who arrive after those times are not guaranteed a hayride.
In the event of rain, ticket holders will be rescheduled to another available hayride date or an alternate date, as space permits. For Friday rain information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. For Sunday rain information, call Trailside Nature & Science Center at 908-789-3670 after 1:00 p.m.
For more information about Union County parks and recreation programs, visit www.ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Department of Human Services’ Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse, will host a free educational webinar on Wednesday, September 16th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pathways to Wellness: Navigating the Road to Recovery & Suicide Prevention will be presented in collaboration with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
“Recovery is possible, help is available, and no one should ever feel that they must face a mental health or substance use challenge alone,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “This webinar is an opportunity to connect residents and families with reliable information, compassionate support and potentially life-saving resources. We encourage everyone to join us and learn how each of us can help build a stronger and more supportive community.”
The virtual event is being held in recognition of National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, both observed throughout September. The webinar will provide information and resources related to recovery, behavioral health and suicide prevention while encouraging open, supportive conversations about these important issues.
The webinar is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/dhs-webinar. The program will also be streamed on Facebook Live.
“Many people want to help a family member, friend or neighbor who may be struggling, but they may not know what to say or where to turn,” said Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “By making trusted information and resources easier to access, we can reduce stigma, encourage people to seek support and remind our residents that they are not alone.”
National Recovery Month promotes and supports evidence-based treatment and recovery practices while recognizing the individuals, families, service providers and communities that make recovery possible. National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month brings attention to suicide prevention, reduces stigma surrounding mental health and highlights resources available to people experiencing emotional distress or crisis.
For additional information about the webinar, contact the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse at OBHSM@ucnj.org or 908-527-4844.
If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org. If there is an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911.ReachNJ is a central call-in line for New Jersey residents who are looking for help with a substance use disorder (SUD). If in need call New Jersey’s 24/7 helpline at 1-844-732-2465.
