Category: Public Info

New Jersey Primary Election will be held on July 7, 2020.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado reminds Union County voters, and elected officials, that the June 2 Primary Election has been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 7, by order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The new date will also impact deadlines leading up to Election Day.

Governor Murphy announced the new July 7 date in Executive Order 120, in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.  The full text of Executive Order is available in pdf format at nj.gov/infobank.

“In this time of uncertainty, the new date will help ensure that voters and candidates can participate in the Primary Election while protecting themselves during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Ms. DiRado.

The new deadline for changing or declaring a party affiliation is May 13. Other changes in deadlines will be announced shortly.

In the event that in-person voting is conducted for the July 7 Primary Election, voters can familiarize themselves with new voting machines that were introduced countywide last year by viewing a teaching video on the Board of Elections website, at ucnj.org/boe/expressvote-xl-voting-machine (please note that live demonstrations have been suspended during the COVID-19 outbreak).

For information on all Union County Board of Elections programs and services visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

Please note that the Board of Elections office is closed to visitors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Voicemail messages and emails are being responded to promptly during regular business hours.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the Union County COVID-19 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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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.

New Jersey Primary Election will be held on July 7, 2020.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises Union County voters that the June 2 Primary Election has been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 7, by order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The new date will also impact deadlines leading up to Election Day.

“I strongly support Governor Murphy’s decision, which will protect the integrity of our elections while taking appropriate precautions to protect the health and safety of voters in Union County and statewide,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Governor Murphy announced the new July 7 date in Executive Order 120, in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.  The full text of Executive Order is available in pdf format at nj.gov/infobank.

Other changes in deadlines will be announced shortly.

Additionally, Ms. Rajoppi urges all eligible voters to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot now.

“The application process is easy and can be done without an office visit. My staff is available to provide any assistance needed by phone or email,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Applying for a Vote-by-Mail ballot provides for peace of mind, alleviates health concerns, and ensures that your voice will be heard on Election Day.”

“I will be providing self-sealing envelopes, and paid postage, for all Vote-by-Mail ballots,” Ms. Rajoppi added.

Under existing New Jersey law, every voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. There is no need to provide a reason, and Vote-by-Mail ballots are always included in the official tally for each election.

Voters who have not opted into New Jersey’s automatic Vote-by-Mail system can apply for a ballot by downloading an application from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

Voters can also request a Vote-by-Mail application by using the free Union County Votes mobile app, calling the County Clerk’s elections division at 908-527-4996, or emailing the County Clerk at 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.

Please note that the County Clerk’s office is closed to visitors during the COVID-19 outbreak, but staff is available during regular business hours to provide assistance by phone and email.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the Union County COVID-19 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.

The Union County COVID-19 Center will surpass its 3,000th test today since opening approximately two weeks ago on March 23rd.

The facility is located at Kean University in Union and is managed through Union County, and is staffed by medical personnel, volunteers, first responders and Union County employees. Testing is free.

“This is a milestone, given all the challenges and adverse conditions we faced in setting up the Union County Covid-19 Test Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope to continue to provide this invaluable, potentially life-saving service as often and as long as warranted.”

The Union County Covid-19 Test Center has expanded its operations, and has been open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is now testing over 400 people a day, with 59 percent testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The testing center in Union County has been regarded as a model around the state, outpacing FEMA sites with the largest volume of tests performed, highest clinical standards and most efficient burn rate for personal protective equipment in New Jersey.

The center is available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. First responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms can also contact the center, regardless of their place of residence.

Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms who wish to be tested should call 908-214-7107. First responders and front-line health workers may also call 908-373-5105. 

For the safety, health and security of the volunteers at the site, the testing location does not allow patients without vehicles to enter the campus. If you do not have your own transportation, please discuss with your healthcare provider before scheduling an appointment.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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/cd/topics/covid2019.  If you believe you may have symptoms of COVID-19, there is a self-assessment tool that you should use that has been developed by the State of New Jersey. This tool will assist you to determine what actions you can take to protect you and your loved ones’ health and help determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19, and can be accessed at https://self.covid19.nj.gov/

The Union County COVID 19 drive-through facility is being run by the County through a partnership with the Overlook Medical Center (Atlantic Health System) in Summit, the Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJ Barnabas Health) in Rahway. The Freeholder Board, County Manager and his staff worked with State Senators Joseph P. Cryan, Nicholas P. Scutari, Governor Phil Murphy’s office, Kean University, and the New Jersey State Department of Health in bringing the facility online.

Union County, NJ — As part of statewide efforts to reduce social contacts and stop the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey, certain previously scheduled public recreation and cultural events sponsored by Union County in April and May have been cancelled.

The cancelled events are:

• April 26, Wild Earth Fest
• May 3, Sensory Friendly Theatre “Bubble Trouble”
• May 3, Shakespeare in the Park
• May 17, Shakespeare in the Park
• May 23, Paint by the Pond
• May 30, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook

In addition, a previously scheduled July 1 performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at Echo Lake Park has been cancelled.

Union County parks remain open only for individual use that conforms to the six-foot standard for social distance. To avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19 in County parks, visitors should avoid congested areas and give way to others on trails and pathways.

In accordance with statewide COVID-19 guidelines, walking, jogging, hiking, fishing (state fishing license required for ages 17-69) and bicycling are among the permitted activities. Individuals may be accompanied by immediate family, household members, caregivers, or romantic partners.

No group activities are permitted in Union County parks during the COVID-19 outbreak. All picnic areas and restrooms have been closed. Other closures include playgrounds, dog parks, and golf courses. The Trailside Nature and Science Center, the Warinanco Sports Center, and Watchung Stables are also closed to the public.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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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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.

Remote procedure held in consideration of COVID-19 precautions.

Union County, NJ – Union County, NJ — Due to ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, and a statewide prohibition on gatherings, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the 2020 Primary Election ballot position drawing will be live-streamed on Facebook.  A link will be posted prior to the drawing.

The Primary Election ballot position drawing will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 3:00 p.m. as designated by law.

“The essential business of the 2020 election cycle will continue. My office will make use of the technology at hand to ensure that the mandated steps occur according to schedule while taking every available precaution to protect staff and the public at large,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Ms. Rajoppi also advised voters to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot to participate in the upcoming Primary Election.

“With the outbreak of COVID-19, there is all the more reason to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot and ensure your voice is heard on Election Day,” she said.

Under New Jersey state law, any eligible voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. There is no requirement to provide a reason. Every Vote-by-Mail ballot is counted in every election.

Voters who have never used a Vote-by-Mail ballot can apply for one now. Applications are available for download from the County Clerk’s elections website at unioncountyvotes.com.

To have an application sent by mail, call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

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, 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.

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

COVID-19 tests for Union County residents and first responders/front line health workers who are experiencing symptoms.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University has added a second phone line for Union County residents only in order to handle a heavy volume of calls from members of the public seeking to be tested.

The Test Center is available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. First responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms can also contact the Test Center, regardless of their place of residence.

Persons with COVID-19 symptoms who wish to be tested should call 908-373-5105. Union County residents only may also call 908-214-7107 if they are not able to get through on the main number.

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only, no walk-ins are admitted. Testing is free.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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/cd/topics/covid2019.

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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.

Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Sergio Granados today visited the Union County COVID-19 testing facility at Kean University in Union to receive a briefing from County Manager Ed Oatman, first responders and staff manning the facility. Residents who need testing are urged to call 908-373-5105 to set up an appointment. 

The facility will be open until further notice to test as many residents as possible. 

Updated May 4th

Expanded telemedicine procedure introduced in response to statewide need.

Union County, NJ – In order to help key emergency personnel get a COVID-19 test as quickly as possible, the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University is now available to first responders and certain health care workers in New Jersey, regardless of their place of work or residence.

Those covered by the new procedures are: fire fighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 tele-communicators, Medical Reserve Corps members, all hospital employees, staff at long term care facilities and nursing homes, and home health aides.

The expanded service is in response to limited availability of testing statewide.

“Union County is taking this extraordinary statewide measure to support emergency personnel in New Jersey, so those who need a test can get one without any further delay,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Beginning today, first responders and certain health care workers in New Jersey seeking a COVID-19 test, regardless of residence, can follow these steps:

1. Call the Union County Test Center at 908-373-5105 or 908-214-7107. (no walk-ins are admitted).
2. Discuss symptoms by phone with a triage nurse. The nurse will schedule an appointment at the Test Center for patients who meet guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control.
3. Persons with an appointment can proceed to the Testing Center at their scheduled time (no doctor visit or prescription is required).

In addition to first responders and certain health workers, all Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms can call the Test Center at 908-373-5105 or 908-214-7107. and follow the same telemedicine process.

“The Test Center serves every patient who meets the CDC guidelines, even if they have no health insurance or personal doctor. COVID-19 knows no barriers, and our response to the crisis must be barrier-free as well,” Mirabella emphasized.

“The Test Center has also become a vital emergency response asset on a broader level,” he added. “By performing scores of triage interviews daily, it enables doctors in our community to focus more attention on treating patients.”

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township. It is open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only. Testing is free.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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/cd/topics/covid2019.

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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 Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University implements a new “telehealth” procedure for persons seeking a COVID-19 test.

Updated May 4th

Beginning March 30th, Union County residents, as well as all first responders and health workers working in the county regardless of residence, can report symptoms and schedule testing by calling 908-214-7107.

“From the beginning of this pandemic, we have been working tirelessly to make sure we test everyone who desperately needs tests regardless of their accessibility to primary care. By allowing all residents to call one central number we will relieve the barrier to care and free up our health care professionals to serve even more clients,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Patients who call 908-214-7107 will be connected to a nurse who will triage and assess symptoms over the phone. Appointments will be scheduled for patients that meet the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Persons receiving an appointment can proceed to the Testing Center at their scheduled time. No other primary care doctor prescription is required.

Please note that Union County residents who previously registered at the Testing Center and have already submitted a prescription may proceed as instructed.

“We began this process in great partnership with the healthcare community. We know that as time goes on the burden on our doctors will only grow. Union County wants to do our part by using telehealth capabilities to triage patients so doctors can focus on the care their patients will need to get well after diagnosis,” said Chairman Mirabella.

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township.

Regular weekday hours for the Test Center are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only. Testing is free.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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.