Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that the voter registration deadline for the 10th Congressional District Special General Election is this Wednesday, August 28th. Applications will not be accepted after August 28th. The 10th Congressional District Special General Election will be held on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024.
“I urge residents who haven’t already registered not to miss this deadline and ensure that their vote is counted and their voice is heard in this election,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
The state is hosting a Special Election in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District to fill the vacancy left by Congressman Donald Payne’s untimely passing in April.
The 10th Congressional District includes Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, parts of Linden including Ward 1, Ward 3 (Districts 1 & 4), Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 8, Ward 9, Ward 10, Roselle, Roselle Park, and Union.
Voter registration applications and sample ballots can be downloaded at unioncountyvotes.com. 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.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a Notary Public Training Seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy County Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.
Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration.
Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.
“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment to empowering our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively is strong, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”
Ms. Joanne Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.
The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.
To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a free online Q&A workshop providing information and guidance on three 2025 grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs: the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant, the History Grant, and the Local Arts Grant.
“Arts, history, and cultural programming are vital to the enrichment of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We encourage organizations with interest to participate in this workshop and explore these funding opportunities to bring engaging programs to Union County.”
The live Q&A will be hosted on Zoom on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and is geared towards organizations and individuals needing basic information about these grant programs and the application processes. Guidelines for the grants will be provided.
Union County arts, history, and cultural organizations, as well as municipal government offices and libraries, are welcome to register to learn about these opportunities to apply for funding of programming to take place during the 2025 calendar year, January 1 through December 31.
“The grant programs administered by our Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs provide crucial support to local organizations, helping them to preserve our rich history and present arts and educational programs,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This workshop is an excellent opportunity for organizations to learn how they can benefit from these grants.”
The Union County HEART Grant funds projects related to local history, the arts, and humanities and is funded through the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Union County History Grant funds history organizations and history projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. The Union County Local Arts Program funds arts organizations and arts projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
To register for this workshop, visit ucnj.org/cha-workshop. For questions, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, August 22, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (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.
Berkeley Hts. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Mt. Carmel Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Park Av., Hamilton Av., Plainfield Av., Columbia Av., Rutgers Av., Princeton Av.
Clark – Riverside Dr., Emerald Pl., Hawthorne Dr., Orchard Ter., Limoli Ln., Locust Grove Dr.
Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd.
Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area, Morris Pl., Hillside Ave., Rutgers Av., Columbia Av. Locust Av.,
Kenilworth – Dorsett Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd.
Linden – Tremley Pt. Area< Bradford Av., Lexington Av., Marion Av., Summit Ter., Dewitt Ter., Livingston Rd., Birchwood Rd.
New Providence – Passaic St., D.P.W. Yard.
Plainfield – Rock Av., (PMUA), Bradford St., Watson Av., Everett Pl., Jefferson Av., Sheridan Av., E. 3rd St., St. Nicholas Blvd., Hillcrest Av., Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct., Worth Dr. Area
Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area, Oak St., Pierpont St., Bryant St. Area, Donald Av., Price St., Allen St., Kearny Av. Area, Koenig Pl.
Roselle – Burt Dr., Shaffere Dr., Audrey Ter., Kennedy Dr., Chandler Av., Jouet St., 8th Av., Oak Av.
Roselle Park – Sheridan Av., W Webster Av., Laurel Av.
Scotch Plains – Pheasant Ln., Lamberts Mill Rd. (RWJ Fitness), Martine Extension, Country Club Ln.,
Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center), Risk Av., Beech Spring Dr.
Union – Alden Ter., Bertram Ter., Wilshire Dr., Shetland Dr. Area, Manor DR., Walker Av., Hemlock Rd., Hickory Rd., Locust Dr., Pinewood Rd., Cockley Dr., Indian Run Pkwy.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Bureau of Recycling and Planning would like to remind residents to check the numbers on their plastic products before disposing of them. Plastics labeled with the numbers #1, #2, and #5 only can be recycled curbside. Plastics marked with #5 are only accepted for curbside recycling in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Fanwood, Garwood, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, and Summit. Plastics with the numbers #3, #4, #6, and #7 should not be placed in curbside recycling bins.
“Our county has made significant progress in improving its recycling efforts over the years. However, we understand that there may still be confusion regarding which plastics can be recycled curbside. By presenting clearer and easily accessible guidelines, we hope to effectively communicate and facilitate plastic recycling for all residents going forward,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “If you have any questions or are unsure if your item can be recycled, please contact our Recycling and Planning Bureau for assistance.”
The following plastics can be recycled in your curbside bin:
# 1 – PET or PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate) – clear, rigid plastic such as:
Soda bottles, water bottles, salad dressing, mouthwash, etc.
# 2 – HDPE (High-density polyethylene) – common white or colored plastic such as:
Milk containers, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, juice bottles,
# 5 – PP (Polypropylene) – hard but flexible plastic such as:
There are currently seven common types of plastics in circulation, numbered #1 through #7, and not all of them may be recycled curbside or at all. Always check the product or product packaging before disposing of your plastics. Also, it is helpful if the containers are rinsed, dried, and as free of any food or debris as possible.
For more information, upcoming dates, and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to visit their local “ASK”, or Aging Services Kiosk, this September. These services provide an opportunity for attendees to meet with experienced professionals who can offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources and help with form completion. Bilingual staff will be available at several events to offer support in Spanish.
“With all of the amazing technological advances we have today, there is still something truly special and personal about having a face-to-face conversation. Our ASK events are designed to make it easy and convenient for seniors and caregivers to stop by their local library and connect with our friendly and knowledgeable staff in person,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I encourage our senior community to visit one of our ASK events this month to receive the guidance and resources they need.”
The ASK program is administered by the Division on Aging within Union County’s Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older and their caregivers a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.
Staff at the ASK events can also help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in September:
Wednesday, September 4th (Bilingual staff is available) Union Public Library 1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Roselle 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, September 10th Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street, Westfield 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, September 17th (Bilingual staff is available) Elizabeth Public Library – Main 11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Thursday, September 19th (Bilingual staff is available) Clark Public Library 303 Westfield Avenue, Clark 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, September 25th Cranford Public Library 224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“The Division on Aging is dedicated to promoting the self-sufficiency and dignity of our senior community by providing access to essential resources including transportation, home-delivered meals, and caregiving resources,” Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “We are committed to supporting our elderly residents as they embark on this new chapter of life. Please reach out to our Division on Aging or visit one of our Aging Services Kiosks whenever you have questions or need assistance.”
For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation are calling on residents who cherish the outdoors to make a difference in their community by becoming Trail Stewards through the revitalized Adopt-A-Trail Program. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, nature, and are looking for a meaningful way to give back by helping maintain and preserve the trails that wind through Union County’s beautiful parks.
“As someone who values our natural spaces, I am excited to see the community come together to preserve and enhance the trails that make Union County’s parks so special,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Becoming a Trail Steward is a wonderful way to give back while enjoying the beauty of our environment.”
To further this initiative, a Trail Stewards Orientation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the historic Masker’s Barn, nestled within the Deserted Village of the Watchung Reservation. This session will provide prospective Trail Stewards with an overview of the program, indoor training, and a presentation by Union County Park Environmental Services Staff. Attendees will also learn about the specific responsibilities and benefits of becoming a Trail Steward.
Participants in the program are asked to commit to a two-year stewardship, during which they will actively monitor their adopted trails and submit quarterly reports on trail conditions and necessary maintenance. This hands-on involvement will help ensure the continued health and safety of the trail system, benefiting all who visit Union County’s parks.
If you have a passion for nature and want to play an active role in protecting Union County’s natural resources, now is the perfect time to get involved. Sign up for the orientation and take the first step towards becoming a Trail Steward today.
The Union County Adopt-A-Trail Program is designed to engage the community in the stewardship of local parks by providing volunteers with the training and tools they need to monitor and maintain the trails. Trail Stewards play a vital role in keeping these outdoor spaces safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that five locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early, in-person for the 10th Congressional District Special General Election. Any registered Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Sunday, September 8, 2024 through Monday, September 16, 2024.
The 10th Congressional District includes Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, parts of Linden including Ward 1, Ward 3 (Districts 1 & 4), Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 8, Ward 9, Ward 10, Roselle, Roselle Park and Union.
“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day. Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”
Cranford: Union College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4, Near the Guard Booth – Parking in Lot 1
Kenilworth: Kenilworth Recreation Center, 565 Boulevard
Roselle: Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue Roselle Park: Cassano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street
Union Township: Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue
All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:
Monday through Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book. The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate. The ballot card will be inserted into the voting machine which begins the process for the voter.
Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Mail-in ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.
Voters who plan to use a mail-in ballot can deposit it in any of the Board of Elections’ secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by September 18, 2024 at 8pm.
Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, September 18, 2024, must use their designated polling place.
For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.
The Union County Board of Elections announces that the voter registration deadline for the September 17, 2024 10th Congressional District Special Primary Election is Wednesday, August 28.
The state is hosting a Special Election in the 10th Congressional District to fill the vacancy created by the untimely passing of Congressman Donald Payne.
The 10th Congressional District includes Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, parts of Linden including Ward 1, Ward 3 (Districts 1 & 4), Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 8, Ward 9, Ward 10, Roselle, Roselle Park and Union.
“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 to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept Voter Registration Forms. On the August 28, 2024 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 also be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.
To register online, eligible residents should visit: voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.
You can register to vote if:
You are a United States citizen
You will be 18 years old by the next election
You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.
To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.
Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters that the polling place list and drop box locations for the Scotch Plains – Fanwood Special School Election are available on the UCBOE website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.
The Scotch Plains – Fanwood Special School Election will be held on September 17, 2024 from 2pm – 8pm. The polling locations being used in the Special School Election are the same locations as a typical Primary and General Election.
The secure ballot drop boxes are and will remain open through the close of the polls on September 17, 2024 at 8:00pm. Drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7, available to voters 24/7 and ADA accessible.
The following locations are available for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Special School Election:
Cranford Community Center
Union College of Union County – Cranford Campus
Elizabeth: Union County Board of Elections
Fanwood Historic Train Station
Garwood Public Library
Hillside Senior Center
Kenilworth Recreation Building
Linden: Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade
Roselle Borough Hall Annex
Roselle Park – Union County Emergency Services Building
Scotch Plains Public Library; and Fraser Building
Union Township Municipal Building
Union Township: Kean University
Westfield – Fraser Building
For a complete list of polling locations and ballot drop boxes in Union County, please visit the Board of Elections website online at ucnj.org/boe.
