Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County’s free new online series, “OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour,” returns for a second episode on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. The Freeholder Board invites County residents to sign up and tune in to join host Micayla Mirabella for an hour of stories and discussions about queer pioneers and activists in and around Union County.

The Queer Empowerment Hour series is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs. The first episode aired on September 30. The biweekly series is running every other Wednesday evening through December 9, with each hour-long session beginning at 7:00 p.m.

“We were simply overwhelmed by the positive response to Queer Empowerment Hour when the series launched in September, and we are all looking forward to another informative and thought-provoking episode this week,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Queer Empowerment Hour provides the Union County community with a new opportunity to connect and share experiences, and I encourage everyone with an interest in queer affairs to join in.”

“The COVID-19 outbreak has created new burdens on members of the community who may already feel alone and vulnerable, and Queer Empowerment Hour helps to overcome this barrier of isolation. The Freeholder Boards is proud to send the Queer Empowerment Hour message of support and camaraderie throughout Union County, and beyond, said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the Freeholder Board’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour explores LGBTQ+ specific topics and offer stories and discussions involving queer folks from different backgrounds and experiences, in an hour-long format that includes some of New Jersey’s most dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and allies.

Registration is required for individuals to access each webinar through Zoom, where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. All of the webinars will be live-streamed as well. The schedule and registration links can be found at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The first episode aired on September 30 with a focus on parental support for queer people.

In recognition of LGBTQ History Month, the October 14 episode will feature educators from across New Jersey discussing the state’s inclusive curriculum and its role in raising awareness of LGBTQ pioneers and activists.

The episode will highlight Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson and other New Jersey activists who earned a place in history, along with Harvey Milk, James Baldwin, and other prominent figures in queer history.

Also featured are pioneers who whose record of activism continues to this day, including Billy Jean King, Laverne Cox, and other

Following October 14 episode, the remaining installments are:

Wednesday, October 28: Transgender Identity and Inclusion

Wednesday, November 11: Being Queer in the Military

Wednesday, November 25: Ally Talk – Hear from Straight Friends and Advocates

Wednesday, December 9: Faith and LGBTQueer+ Panel

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Restaurants impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for grants of up to $20,000 each; online application portal opens on Wednesday, October 14.

Union County, NJ – Restaurants in Union County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak may be eligible to receive federal CARES Act funding through the new Union County COVID-19 Emergency Restaurant Grant program established by the Freeholder Board. The new program provides a total of $2 million to qualified restaurants located in Union County on a first come, first served basis. A maximum of $20,000 per grant applies.

 “Local restaurants are woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods, providing innumerable opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and civic service for our residents. Their contribution to our quality of life is irreplaceable, and this allocation of federal CARES Act funds will help offset the expense of COVID-19 prevention measures that protect the health and safety of our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Restaurant Grant COVID-19 Emergency Restaurant Grant program provides reimbursement for expenses related to compliance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders on restaurant operations during the COVID- 19 public health emergency, including items for facilitating outdoor dining, social distancing, and disinfecting a facility.

The online application portal will open at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14 through the link ucnj.org/restaurant-grant. Awards will be made to eligible applicants on a first come first served basis.

Applicants should be prepared to answer the following questions:

• Have you received any other type of grant funding? If so, what were the funds used for? During what months were the funds used? What was the dollar amount?
• What was the approximate sales volume/revenue of your business during the months of January through September in 2019, and January through September in2020?

In addition, the following documents must be submitted online with the application form:

• A current Food Service License from the local or County Board of Health
• All reimbursement expenditures must have a corresponding invoice and proof of payment
• Business Registration Certificate, certificate of incorporation or formation
• Good Standing Certificate (Short Form) found here : nj.us/treasury/revenue/standcert.shtml
• 2019 Tax return or Tax Extension
• W9 gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Please note that one file will be allowed for each required type of documentation.  A third party tool such as Genius Scan is highly recommended for this purpose. It will allow the user to scan and merge multiple images and documents into single PDFs.

For Apple Devices, the Genius Scan link is:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/genius-scan-pdf-scanner/id377672876.

For Android (Google) Devices, the Genius Scan link is: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thegrizzlylabs.geniusscan.free.

The application portal will open on 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14 at  ucnj.org/restaurant-grant.

If further assistance about the Restaurant Grant program is needed, email Deana Mesaros, Coordinator, Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development at dmesaros@ucnj.org

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Voters who have recently moved or recently registered to vote in Union County are scheduled to receive their ballots over the next 2-1/2 weeks.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters who have not yet received their ballots for the 2020 General Election that they will receive them over the next 2-1/2 weeks.

“The process of sending Vote-by-Mail ballots to voters in Union County is still under way,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “If you have recently registered to vote in Union County, or if you have recently changed your registration due to a move, your ballot will be mailed to you within the next 2-1/2 weeks.”

In accordance with a statewide Executive Order issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the 2020 General Election is being conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots.

To avoid overwhelming the U.S. Postal Service with a high volume of mail all at once, the County Clerk’s Elections Division is sending Vote-by-Mail ballots to all registered voters in scheduled waves. The first wave covered voters who have not changed their registration in recent months.

The second wave involves voters who have recently registered to vote in Union County, or who recently changed their registration due to a move.

The second wave is currently under way and will conclude before October 24.

After October 24, voters who have not received their Vote-by-Mail ballot in the mail are advised to contact the Elections Division of the County Clerk by phone at 908-527-4996, or by email at ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Connect with Union County on social media.

Statewide COVID-19 prevention guidelines will be observed at this event.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proudly invites residents to attend a free outdoor, drive-up screening of the Freddie Mercury bio-pic Bohemian Rhapsody, hosted by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs in honor LGBTQ History Month. The screening will take place on Friday, October 16 at 7:30 PM at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

In case of rain the event will be held on Sunday, October 18.

Bohemian Rhapsody traces the story of lead singer Freddie Mercury and the legendary British rock band Queen, leading up to a history-making performance at the Live Aid 1985 global fundraising event in 1985.

“Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the diversity that builds a strong, inclusive community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to honor icons like Freddie Mercury, who while privately battling an AIDS diagnosis played a key role in the fight to end the epidemic and increase LGBTQ visibility and acceptance.”

“The LGBTQ movement for equality stands on the shoulders of our early heroes and icons, and their bravery and visibility is inspiring leaders of today,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “LGBTQ visibility sheds light on important issues impacting the LGBTQ community. Bohemian Rhapsody is centered in the public health AIDS epidemic. Presenting the film while in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic draws attention to the increased challenges LGBTQ people face everyday accessing health care.”

Reservations are required to secure a spot for the free drive-up screening. The online reservation form is available at tinyurl.com/DriveUpMovie. One registration is required per car (not per person). Due to space limitations, registration for Bohemian Rhapsody will be on a first come, first serve basis. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, no walk-ups or bikes are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart for social distancing. Attendees must stay in their vehicles unless using the port-o-johns (masks required for port-o-johns).

No chairs, stools or other seating outside of the vehicle is permitted.

This drive-up film screening is organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs in collaboration with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Trotters Branch of the Elizabeth River Nature Trail provides rare experience of natural forest in urban area at border of Union Township and Elizabeth.

Union County, NJ – Just a few steps away from a busy intersection at the border of Union Township and the City of Elizabeth, local residents can follow a rustic walking trail and enjoy the peaceful sounds and sights of a natural forest. The ¼-mile trail winds along Trotters Branch, a stream that runs through the forested western section of Union County’s Phil Rizzuto Park and empties into the Elizabeth River.

Phil Rizzuto Park is located at the intersection of North Avenue and Morris Avenue, two major four-lane arteries. The forest in Phil Rizzuto Park is the only natural area of its kind in the vicinity. The eastern section of the park includes turf fields, a large playground, and other recreational facilities.

The Union County Freeholders officially opened the Trotters Branch of the Elizabeth River Nature Trail with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 7. The trail features interpretive signage and a pavilion for outdoor nature classes and other community activities.

The nonprofit organization Groundwork Elizabeth spearheaded the trail project in partnership with the County of Union. Funding for the pavilion, trail work and interpretive signage work was provided by a grant from Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery with assistance provided by Groundwork Elizabeth, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of the Great Swamp, The Mushett Family Foundation Inc., the J.C. Kellogg Foundation and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

“I would like to thank Groundwork Elizabeth and for their leadership in building this unique community resource, Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery for their generous support of the trail work and educational features, and all of the partners who joined in to help out,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Union County parks system is our legacy from past generations, and we have a responsibility to appreciate and preserve these natural ecosystems for the future.”

Part of the trail work was undertaken by the Green Team, a community youth engagement and development program of Groundwork Elizabeth. Phil Rizutto Park serves as a training ground for Green Team members to learn basic trail maintenance skills. The Green Team also conducts wildlife monitoring programs, water testing, children’s educational programs and other volunteer activities in the park.

“It is very important to ensure that young people in our urban areas can experience nature first-hand, and also have the experience of improving neighborhoods and helping to preserve and protect ecosystems in our communities,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is an Elizabeth resident. “The youth members of the Green Team have done a wonderful job on the Nature Trail. We truly appreciate their hard work and dedication to civic improvement, and Groundwork for organizing and supporting their efforts throughout the community.”

“I would like to thank Groundwork Elizabeth and their dedicated partners for bringing this project to fruition,” said Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “The support from Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery, the Union County Board of Freeholders and many other organizations, is a great example of what can happen when we work together. Safeguarding our environment for not only ourselves, but future generations is something that should be inherent to us. Now, thanks to the efforts of our partners, residents and visitors have access to a natural resource right in their neighborhood. I hope you all enjoy this trail and I look forward to seeing all of the future improvements of this open space.”

“The Nature Trail demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the quality of life of our residents,” said Township of Union Mayor Michele Delisfort. “This project is a unique community resource that will provide many residents and visitors with new opportunities to learn about the natural world around us, and to help protect, preserve, and promote our natural resources.”

“Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery has had a long history of working with Groundwork Elizabeth and supporting their efforts to save, enhance and educate about the environment.  We are proud to be a partner in the Outdoor Nature and Education Center at Rizzuto Park and to assist in educating about the forest in this park, which is the only natural area of its kind in the vicinity. We are proud to sponsor the new kiosk, interpretative signs and other improvements within this natural woodland along Trotters Branch, stated Nancy Sadlon, Manager of Public Affairs, Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery in Linden, NJ. “Our company values are safety, honor and commitment. Being part of this project and others in previous years at Rizzuto Park is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to this community.”

“Groundwork has been fortunate to have broad support in the community, and it has been incredibly inspiring to see projects like the Nature Trail take shape through a collaborative effort between government, business, and non-profit organizations,” said Groundwork Executive Director Jonathan Phillips. “This is a long term project spanning several years, and it would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of Union County, Phillips 66, and our other partners.”

Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery contributed $30,000 for construction of the pavilion and other work on the Nature Trail. In-kind contributions were also made by the Freeholder Board through the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A second phase of the project will begin later this year, involving measures to remediate and prevent erosion in Trotter’s Branch and the construction of a boardwalk in a wetlands portion of the trail.

The cost of Phase 2 is estimated at $250,000. Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery has pledged $74,000 toward the effort. The U.S. Department of Agricultural Natural Resources Conservation Service has also committed $83,000 in funding, and discussions with additional partners are under way.

For quick links to more information about all Union County parks, and all other environmental activities and programs supported by Union County, visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information about Groundwork Elizabeth visit groundworkelizabeth.org.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran at the Union County Mobile Test Unit at the Southside Firehouse in Scotch Plains. The Union County Mobile Test Unit is continuing to visit local communities to provide free COVID-19 tests for residents this fall. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis. For more details and to view the most recent schedule online visit ucnj.org/covid19/testing/walk-up-locations, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

October 6, 2020

Dear Editor:

The Governor and Legislature have ordered an unprecedented change in the November 3 General Election. Here are the main points Union County voters need to know:

• The 2020 General Election will be conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots.
• As required by state law, the County Clerk’s Elections Division has mailed General Election Vote-by-Mail ballots to all registered voters. The first mailing was concluded on October 3, and there will be two additional mailings in October.
• If your General Election ballot does not arrive by October 25, or if you have lost or damaged your ballot, please contact the County Clerk’s Elections Division for assistance by phone at 908-527-4996 or by email at ucvote@ucnj.org.
• Voters with disabilities who cannot use a regular Vote-by-Mail ballot can contact the Elections Division to obtain an accessible ballot.
• Voters are encouraged to return their Vote-by-Mail ballots as soon as possible.
• Return your Vote-by-Mail ballot by U.S. Postal Service (postage is prepaid), deposit it in any of 22 secure ballot drop boxes located in throughout the County, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth, or to the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth or Westfield. Please note that your ballot must be sealed in both the certificate envelope and the mailing envelope, regardless of which method you choose.
• For hand delivery to the Board of Elections or County Clerk, the voter must sign a register and present a valid New Jersey driver’s license or other official New Jersey identification as required by state law.
• A limited number of polling places will be open on Election Day, November 3. You can bring your Vote-by-Mail ballot to your designated polling place, but remember that it must be sealed inside both the certificate and mailing envelopes.
• ADA-accessible voting machines will be available at the polling sites on Election Day only for voters with disabilities that prevent them from filling out a paper ballot.
• The General Election Vote-by-Mail ballots are clearly marked “General Election” at the top. Ballots marked “Primary Election” are from the July 7 Primary Election and should be discarded. Voters who have mistakenly used a Primary ballot can still vote in the General Election with their General Election Vote-by-Mail ballot.

Throughout the 2020 election cycle, my focus has been on ensuring that voters understand the options available to them. My office has been using all available tools, including media, social media, the unioncountyvotes.com website, the UC Votes app for mobile devices, and the Union County First Alert system, to disseminate accurate, up-to-date information to the public.

We have also created a how-to-vote brochure, which has been sent to each voter with their Vote-by-Mail ballot. In addition, we have created a step-by-step video on how to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot, which can be viewed at unioncountyvotes.com/how-to-vote.

Voters can also track their Vote-by-Mail ballot by using the New Jersey Division of Elections Ballot Tracker tool. More details are available at unioncountyvotes.com/track-my-ballot.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996, or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

Sincerely,

Joanne Rajoppi

Union County Clerk

Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, October 10^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Ave. and Morris Ave.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is being sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Feeding America, of which CFBNJ is a member, projects a 56% increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19–an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46% and greater than any of New Jersey’s neighboring states.

In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2% to 12.9%.

“The Freeholder Board and the County will continue to schedule these drive-up food distributions as they have become a lifeline to many of our residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The food distributions ensure that our residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle. This event will take place, rain or shine.

“The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes to remind residents that the popular “Wildlife Wednesdays” program will continue to run each Wednesday through the end of October, with a new starting time of 6:00 PM. The previous starting time was 2:00 PM.

“Union County is striving to bring educational programs directly to our children that may not be accessible to everyone during these challenging times, and Wildlife Wednesdays is a great example of them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage residents to register for any or all of these free programs and learn more about animals and the critical role they play in our environment.”

Participation is free and open to all county residents.   Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited to the first 100 families who sign up.  The programs will be held on Zoom so a valid email and Zoom access are necessary to participate. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation and Zoom login information via email.        

Wildlife Wednesdays is sponsored by Union County’s Clean Communities Grant Program as educators will raise awareness on how litter can be harmful to wildlife.   Rizzo’s Wildlife World educators will bring the classroom to you and present a myriad of wildlife critters. These programs aim to discourage littering to protect the diverse wildlife found in County parks.

October 7^th’s program will feature Rainforest Animals, while October 14^th’s program will features animals that use camouflage. Stay tuned for information on future programs. 

For more information on upcoming Wildlife Wednesday, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/wildlife-wednesdays. 

Voters are reminded to use the Vote-by-Mail ballot marked “General Election” to participate in the 2020 General Election.

Vote-by-Mail ballots marked “Primary Election” cannot be used.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi alerts Union County voters not to use any Vote-by-Mail ballot marked “Primary Election” to cast their vote in the 2020 General Election. The only Vote-by-Mail ballot to be used in the General Election is clearly marked “General Election” at the top.

“Please take a look at the top of your Vote-by-Mail ballot, and make sure it says ‘General Election,’ said Ms. Rajoppi. “My office has been made aware that some voters are using ballots from the July 7 Primary Election, which was held last summer. The Primary ballots cannot be used for the General Election. If you have one, rip it up and discard it in your recycling bin.”

Voters who mistakenly used a Primary Election ballot can still vote in the General Election. They can use their General Election Vote-by-Mail ballot, and their Primary ballot will be discarded.

Voters can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996, or email ucvote@ucnj.org for assistance with any questions regarding their Vote-by-Mail Ballot.

Voters who have not yet received their General Election Vote-by-Mail ballot can estimate the approximate time of arrival by checking the schedule of mailings on the home page of the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, and allowing up to eight days for delivery.

For a step-by-step video on how to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com/how-to-vote.

Every voter can help the General Election run as smoothly as possible by filling out and returning their General Election Vote-by-Mail ballot as soon as possible after they receive it.

Several different early voting methods are available now, and are in effect until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3.

Please note that the ballot must be enclosed in its certificate envelope, which then must be placed in its mailing envelope.

Both the certificate and the mailing envelopes are required, regardless of which early voting method the voter chooses.

The options are:

• Send it to the Union County Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service (postage is prepaid).

• Deposit it in any Union County Board of Elections secure ballot drop-off box, conveniently located in all 21 municipalities. Any Union County voter can use any drop-off box in Union County, regardless of their residence. The boxes are available on a 24/7 basis until 8:00 p.m. on November 3.
• Hand deliver it to the Union County Board of Elections or County Clerk’s offices. These offices will be open for ballot delivery until 8:00 p.m. on November 3. Please note that hand delivery requires voters to present New Jersey identification and sign a register.
• Designate a ballot bearer to deposit it in a drop-off box, or hand deliver it to the Board of Elections or County Clerk’s offices (instructions are printed on the ballot).

In addition, on Election Day voters can bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place. Again, the ballot must be enclosed in both the certificate and the mailing envelopes.

To see the list of polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com/where-do-i-vote.

Voters who come to their polling place without a Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to use. ADA-accessible voting machines are available only for voters with disabilities.

To track the status of their Vote-by-Mail ballot, voters can use the New Jersey Division of Elections Ballot Tracker tool. More details are available at unioncountyvotes.com/track-my-ballot.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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