Category: Public Info

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that seven locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early in person for the 2023 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 28 through Sunday, November 5.

“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 of Union County, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4, Near the Guard Booth – Parking in Lot 1
• Elizabeth: Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street
• New Providence: DeCorso Senior Center, 15 E. 4th Street
• Plainfield, Union College of Union County, Church Street, Between E. 2nd & E. 3rd Streets
• Rahway:  Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Avenue
• Roselle: Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue
• Union Township: Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 28,  10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 29, 10am – 6pm
• Monday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 31, 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday, November 1, 10am – 8pm
• Thursday, November 2, 10am – 8pm
• Friday, November 3, 10am – 8pm
• Saturday, November 4, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, November 5, 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.  Voters will then insert their ballot card into the voting machine in order to cast their vote.

Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.

Voters who plan to use a vote by mail ballot can deposit it in any of the twenty-four (24) 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 November 7, 2023 at 8pm.

To check to ensure your ballot has been received by the Union County Board of Elections, go to the Track My Ballot link on the www.njelections.org website. A complete list of secure ballot drop boxes in Union County can be found at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 7, 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.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents with overseas travel plans that the U.S. Department of State is continuing to experience extended wait times for processing passport renewals and new passport applications.

“As more people are traveling internationally,” Ms. Rajoppi said, “2023 is set to be the highest demand year ever for passports, surpassing volumes in previous surges. I encourage those who wish to travel to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel (you will need at least 6 months on your Passport prior to traveling) and renew your passport well in advance of travel.”

As of this week, the State Department is experiencing a wait time of 8-11 weeks for routine applications and 5-7 weeks for expedited applications. Processing times begin when the Department of State receives the application and does not include mailing times which can take up to 2 weeks. Depending on demand, processing times fluctuate throughout the year.

Ms. Rajoppi added that “the U.S. Department of State is aggressively recruiting and hiring for their passport facilities in an effort to reduce wait times for processing.  The Office of the County Clerk passport staff are experienced passport agents who can answer any questions you might have and assist you with applying or renewing a passport.”

Residents can make an appointment online for the Elizabeth or Westfield office, with several options including daytime, evening and Saturday hours. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

The County Clerk’s main office is located in the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth and the annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County Complex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a minimal fee of $10.00 each. To make an appointment at either location, please visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services/ and click “Make an Appointment Online.”

For the latest updates on passport wait times at the State Department, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

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 happy to inform residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program will continue in October. A wide variety of metal goods, from obsolete household appliances to air conditioners to dehumidifiers, metal gutters and pots and pans, and window frames are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“Through our Scrap Metal Recycling events, we’ve been able to retrieve a significant amount of waste in the form of household appliances, car and bicycle parts, aluminum siding and much more,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I am amazed at how committed our constituents are to cleaning up their environment, and will continuously encourage all Union County residents to collect their unused scrap metals and bring them to one of our participating locations to be recycled.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted on Thursday, October 5^th and on Saturday, October 21^st from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.  After the October events, the next Scrap Metal Events will take place on Thursday, November 2^nd and Saturday, November 18^th.  The November events will be the final events for the 2023 season.  To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Residents must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

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. Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

Union County residents interested in helping voters at polling locations on Election Day this year have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through approximately 8:15pm, after the close of the polls. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 16 years or older, can apply to become a poll worker.  Union County residents who are 18 years or older shall be registered to vote. No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory, in-person training session.

Prospective poll workers can apply online or by using a paper application form. To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at www.ucnj.org/pollworker.

To receive a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org. For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/pollworker.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite residents to a Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Event on October 12, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Union College of Union County, ROOM N-4, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. The keynote speaker featured at this event is Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development in the Department of State, Marelyn Rivera.

“I am proud to present this opportunity for our residents to engage in meaningful discussions with Hispanic leaders who have made remarkable contributions to our community,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Pioneers like Ms. Rivera serve as role models, demonstrating that through collaborative efforts, we have the capacity to make significant changes, not only within the Hispanic community but also throughout society at large. I encourage you to attend this seminar, and I hope to see you there.”

As a first-generation student in her family, Marelyn Rivera will be discussing her history growing up as a Latina woman in New Jersey, and how she was able to leverage her background and education during her fifteen-plus year career span, championing and advocating for the Hispanic Community every step of the way.

“I am delighted to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring the accomplished and accredited Latina, Ms. Marelyn Rivera.,” said Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon. “Her leadership in both the public and private sectors stands as a testament to the possibilities when one dedicates themselves to serving their community.”

The Leadership Event starts at 12:00 p.m. with the special presentation from Ms. Rivera, and is open to the public.

This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Interested participants may register at ucnj.org/HHM

This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and held in collaboration with Union College of Union County, NJ.

For more information on this event or other Cultural and Heritage-related events or programs, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.org

Ballots will be mailed to voters in bright yellow envelopes

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that Vote by Mail Ballots have been mailed to all registered Voters on the permanent vote by mail list in Union County.  The ballots are sent in bright yellow envelopes to help voters avoid misplacing their ballot.

Voters can view the updated schedule of mailings on the County Clerk’s elections website, at UnionCountyVotes.com. The schedule is also available on the County Clerk’s free mobile app, UC Votes. Ms. Rajoppi has a “How to Vote a Vote by Mail Ballot” video on the Clerks website to assist voters with the process of filling them out and Mailing the ballots back. Residents can view the video at:  https://unioncountyvotes.com/vote-by-mail-ballot-application/.

Voters can choose several ways to return their Vote by Mail ballot as early as possible before Election Day: by Postal Service (postage is pre-paid), secure drop-off box, or hand delivery to the County Clerk’s offices or Board of Elections office.

The drop-off boxes are available on a 24/7 basis until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7^th, when the polls close.

The Board of Elections office will be open for voters to hand deliver their vote by mail ballots until 8:00 p.m. on November 7^th. Voters who hand deliver their ballots to this office must sign a registry and present a valid New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey identification.

For more details, including the location of offices, drop-off boxes, and polling places, visit 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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has rescheduled the Barn Dance for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs for Sunday, October 8th at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle.

“This event reflects our commitment to building a society where everyone, no matter their abilities, feels valued and welcome,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This dance is going to be a day where we embrace diversity as a source of strength rather than separation. Music and dancing unite people, no matter who they are or where they are from. So, save the date, and join us for an afternoon of country music, games, and plenty of dancing.”

The Barn Dance will now be held on Sunday, October 8th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center, at 1 Park Drive, in Roselle. County residents can take part in line dancing instruction, games, arts and crafts, and a photo booth. Admission to the Barn Dance is free of charge; however, we kindly request attendees to register in advance. To register, please visit www.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.

To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4807.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites you to attend an Adult Women’s Self-Defense Class on Tuesday, October 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cranford Recreation Center, Room 220, located at 220 Walnut Street in Cranford.

“The Board of County Commissioners and I believe that keeping our communities safe will always be of the upmost importance,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Empowering women with self-defense skills is an essential step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members. I encourage all women participate in this free empowering and confidence-building event.”

This exclusive and inclusive self-defense class will be conducted by two highly trained officers one from the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the other from the Summit Police Department and has been coordinated through the Office on Women to provide women with essential tools, information and knowledge to protect themselves and boost their confidence.

“Our trained officers are dedicated to serving the community, and we are excited to share our knowledge and expertise to help empower women with the tools they need to protect themselves,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli.

The class will cover a wide range of topics, including basic self-defense techniques, situational awareness, personal safety strategies, demonstrations on escaping from common holds and grabs, with a focus on empowerment and confidence-building exercises.

“It has been well-documented that women run a higher risk of experiencing an assault or sexual crime of any kind,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, liaison to the Commission on the Status of Women. “This is why taking a proactive approach in educating and preparing our residents is so important to the well-being of our community. I urge all women to take advantage of this educational resource and attend the class.”   

The event is free of charge, but pre-registration is required. Interested participants may register at https://ucnj.org/oowselfdefense.  For more information contact The Union County Office on Women, Jennifer Erdos at 908-527-4216 or Jerdos@ucnj.org.

This event is brought to you by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Office on Women and the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information about the self-defense class or other services offered by The Union County Office on Women, please contact Jennifer Erdos at  Jerdos@ucnj.org or 908-527-4216.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and friends to this year’s 2023 Fall Festival on Saturday, October 7^th from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park, located on 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. Admission is free for all.

“After the astounding turnout we received at our Summer Concert Series, we had to keep the momentum going with another exciting, fun-filled night of live music and refreshments that I know all will truly enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Board of County Commissioners and I understand how important it is for our community to have opportunities to unwind and reconnect with each other, and will continue providing our residents with a safe and enjoyable atmosphere where they can make great memories together. I hope to see you all there.”

The 2023 Fall Festival will be featuring live performances from several bands, and plenty of food and refreshments for all to enjoy. New this year, we debut Union County’s first ever Micro Beer Garden! Attendees may purchase refreshing ales and hops brewed right in Union County. The beverages for the Micro Beer Garden will be provided by Wet Ticket Brewing from Rahway, Yale Terrace Brewery from Cranford and Climax Brewing Co. from Roselle Park. Residents must be 21 and over, and able to present a valid photo ID before being served.

The musical line-up for the 2023 Fall Festival will feature the following performers:

• The Weight Band – This band knows how to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, The Band, and that’s in part because their group leader, Jim Weider, was the lead guitarist of The Band for 15 years! The Weight Band recreates the energy of that grassroots, Woodstock sound that will transport fans back in time, while blending in their own inspirational, original acts that will leave the audience hopeful for what’s to come in the future.
• Willie Nile – This remarkable songwriter stems from Buffalo, NY and has performed with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tori Amos, Barenaked Ladies and The Who. His most notable cover album, Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan, truly showcases the singer’s talent: a distinctive, soulful voice that captures the essence of the artists that inspire him.
• Splintered Sunlight – This tribute band to The Grateful Dead is sure to please hardcore Deadheads and new listeners alike with their own unique renditions of timeless hits from The Grateful Dead and other legends.

The 2023 Fall Festival is brought to you by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.