Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the April 21st Westfield Annual School Election can now be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website and through Union County Votes, a free app for all mobile devices. The County Clerk’s office will also be mailing sample ballots to all registered Westfield voters. The sample ballot mailings will begin on or about April 2, 2026.
“The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot, even before they receive their copy in the mail,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I urge all of our residents to exercise your right to preview and prepare for the upcoming election. Please visit our website to get informed, get ready, and let your voice be heard.”
Voters with any questions about their sample ballots can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.
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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces the return of the Plant A Seed Program Grants for the 2026 year. Through funding from the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund, these grants help schools and community partners grow existing gardens or establish new ones, providing interactive learning experiences focused on agriculture, sustainability, and healthy food.
“Programs like Plant A Seed show how small investments can make a meaningful difference in our schools and communities,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “By helping schools and community groups develop gardens and plant trees, we’re giving residents of all ages the chance to connect with nature, learn where their food comes from, and build habits that support healthier communities.”
2026 Grant Opportunities:
Kids Dig In! School Garden Grant – Available to K-12 schools, this grant provides funding to create or expand school gardens, offering students hands-on opportunities to learn about healthy eating, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.
Fruitful Futures Tree Grant – Available to K-12 schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal entities, this grant provides a fruit tree to be planted on-site, serving as a long-term reminder of the importance of conservation and providing a sustainable food source. This grant is limited in supply and will be awarded based on need, scope, population served, and readiness to proceed.
“The Open Space Trust Fund was created to support projects that strengthen our communities while protecting and enhancing our natural resources,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “These grants help create spaces where students and community members can learn about conservation and sustainability, ensuring that these lessons take root in our schools and neighborhoods for years to come.”
To learn more and apply for a grant, interested schools and organizations can visit www.ucnj.org/plantaseed. Applications will be accepted through April 10, 2026.
For additional details or questions, please contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of Elections reminds Westfield residents that Tuesday, March 31, 2026 is the deadline to register to vote in the April 21, 2026 Annual School Board Election.
To accommodate residents, the Board of Elections will offer extended evening hours on March 31, 2026, remaining open until 9:00 p.m. for voter registration.
The Westfield Annual School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voting will take place at regular polling locations. Residents can confirm their polling place by visiting www.ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.
Voters who wish to return their vote-by-mail ballot using a secure drop box may do so at the following locations:
Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield
Union County Administration Building (corner of Rahway Avenue and Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth)
Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth
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, April 17, 2026 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, April 6, 2026 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 is to empower our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”
County Clerk 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.
Union County residents interested in assisting voters at polling locations on Election Day still have time to apply to become a poll worker. Poll workers earn $300 for the day, serving from 5:15 a.m. until at least 8:15 p.m., following the close of the polls. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Poll workers play a vital role in ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Serving as a poll worker is a meaningful way to participate in the democratic process and support your community.
Union County residents who are 16 years of age or older may apply. Residents who are 18 or older must be registered to vote. No prior experience is required; however, all new poll workers must attend a mandatory in-person training session.
Prospective poll workers may apply online or by submitting a paper application. To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at www.ucnj.org/pollworker.
To request a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.
For additional information, visit ucnj.org/pollworker or the Union County Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs announce that the previously scheduled speaking event, “The Lenape: Native Americans, New Jersey, and American History,” has been moved to Tuesday, March 31st, at 6:00 p.m. Led by Seton Hall University history professor, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, the speaking engagement will explore the rich history of the Lenape people who resided in New Jersey during the time of European colonization. The event is part of Union County’s year-long series of events in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The talk will be held in the Auditorium of the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. To reserve your seat, please pre-register at ucnj.org/250.
“Engaging in history seminars, such as our Lenape speaking event, allows us to gain valuable insights into our ancestors and what their day-to-day experience was. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the rights and freedoms we enjoy alongside our fellow Americans today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Join us in learning together about the rich history of our land as we continue celebrating our 250th anniversary all throughout the year. I hope to see you all there.”
“Engaging in history seminars, such as our Lenape speaking event, allows us to gain valuable insights into our ancestors and what their day-to-day experience was. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the rights and freedoms we enjoy alongside our fellow Americans today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Join us in learning together about the rich history of our land as we continue celebrating our 250th anniversary all throughout the year. I hope to see you all there.”
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.
The Union County Department of Engineering has announced that Linden Avenue in Rahway, between West Scott Avenue and Price Street, is temporarily closed due to a culvert failure. The culvert at this location is nearly 100 years old, and recent heavy rain and snow events have further compromised the structure, leading to the closure.
County engineers will be conducting a full inspection of the affected area to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs. At this time, the duration of the closure is unknown. At this time, the duration of the closure is unknown.
Local resident access will be maintained during this interim period, however motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation are excited to announce that Union County’s annual Woodcock Talk and Walk Events are returning to Watchung Reservation and Lenape Park in March. The events include a guided indoor/outdoor experience accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation that explores the lifestyle and behaviors of the elusive American Woodcock.
“We are excited to bring back Talk & Walk events for our bird watchers and nature enthusiasts to enjoy, and equally proud that the American Woodcock calls Union County its home,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This remarkable bird, along with several other species, depends on the dedicated preservation of our natural open spaces for its survival. Its annual return not only marks the arrival of spring, but also serves as a reflection of the hard work and efforts put forth by workers, volunteers, and the community in protecting our ecosystems.”
The first Woodcock Talk & Walk event of the season will take place on Thursday, March 12th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Masker’s Barn, located within the Deserted Village of the Watchung Reservation, 13 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights. A second event will be held on Monday, March 16th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lenape Park, located at 130 Kenilworth Boulevard in Cranford.
The free events provide seasoned bird lovers and beginners alike the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the American Woodcock and learn more about the elusive species. Also known as the Timberdoodle, Labrador Twister, Night Partridge, Mudbat or Bog sucker, the American Woodcock has several distinct features. Aside from its rotund, orange-fluff belly, long bill, and short legs, the Woodcock is also recognized for its preference for damp, dense woodlands and can usually be found probing moist soil for earthworms or insects.
Aside from their amusing manner of walking, one of the most captivating features of the American Woodcock is the acrobatic courtship displays performed by the males. During mating season, male Woodcocks engage in twisting “sky dances” ascending to heights of 200 to 300 feet. The aerial performance is accompanied by a musical twittering sound as their wings climb through the air. They emit chirping notes as they zigzag back down towards the ground.
Participants are advised to dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight. As always, the Woodcock Talk & Walk event is free and open to adults and children ages 10 and up accompanied by an adult. Participants have the flexibility to attend either or both events, but registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/woodcock-talks-walks/.
Both events will be led and presented by experienced nature enthusiast Peter Axelrod. Pete’s passion for the outdoors led him to study Wildlife Biology and Natural History Interpretation. His experience includes volunteering in avian population studies, wild bird rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and wildlife education. Additionally, Pete has led multiple birding ventures throughout New Jersey, collaborating with organizations such as the New Jersey Audubon, Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and The Raptor Trust.
For more information about upcoming activities and programs in Union County Parks, visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that nominations for the 2026 SHERO Awards are being accepted now through April 30, 2026. The SHERO Award honors women who have created meaningful, lasting change throughout Union County through their leadership, compassion, advocacy, and dedication.
“Leadership takes many forms, and the SHERO Award was created to recognize and celebrate women who exemplify it,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage residents to nominate women from all walks of life, regardless of their profession, background, or role in the community. Every woman who advocates for change, leads with compassion or makes a quiet yet significant impact is deserving of recognition. Union County is stronger because of the women who shape it every day, and we are proud to celebrate them.”
Nominees must live or work in Union County and have made meaningful, lasting contributions to their community. Each nomination should include a photo and a brief statement explaining why the individual deserves to be recognized. The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2026, and the winners will be announced in May. To submit a nomination, or to view past recipients, please visit https://ucnj.org/shero.
For more information about the Union County SHERO Award, contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216 or email jerdos@ucnj.org.
