Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters to make a plan to vote in the upcoming Primary Election. Election Day is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Voters may cast their ballot through in-person Early Voting, in person on Election Day, or by Mail-In Ballot.

Eligible voters for the Primary Election include registered Democrats, Republicans, and Unaffiliated voters. Any registered 17-year-old who will be 18 years old on or before the General Election on November 3, 2026 is also eligible to vote in the Primary Election.

“In every election, voters have an opportunity to make their voices heard and participate in the democratic process,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “We encourage all eligible residents to review their voting options, make a plan ahead of time, and take advantage of the convenient ways to cast a ballot.”

In-Person Early Voting

In-Person Early Voting will take place Tuesday, May 26 through Sunday, May 31, 2026. Polls will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are 10 Early Voting sites throughout Union County located in Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Elizabeth, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Scotch Plains, and Union Township (2 locations). Any eligible Union County voter may cast their ballot at any Early Voting location and will receive the correct ballot for their municipality.

Election Day Voting

Election Day voting will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters casting ballots on Election Day must vote at their assigned polling location.

Mail-In Ballot Voting

Voters who have received a Mail-In Ballot are encouraged to return it using one of the County’s secure ballot drop boxes. Democratic voters, Republican voters, and first-time Unaffiliated voters may obtain a Mail-In Ballot from the

Union County Clerk’s Office through 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Union County has at least one secure ballot drop box located in every municipality. Ballot drop boxes are available 24 hours a day through the close of polls on Election Day at 8:00 p.m. Ballots are collected in accordance with state guidelines by bipartisan teams of Board of Elections employees accompanied by a police escort.

Voters may also return their Mail-In Ballot through the mail and are encouraged to allow at least seven days for delivery.

Ballots may also be returned in person to the Union County Board of Elections at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth or to the Union County Clerk’s Offices located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Voters returning a ballot in person must present a valid New Jersey-issued identification card or driver’s license.

For a complete list of Early Voting locations, updated polling locations, and secure ballot drop box addresses, visit or call 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend the 2026 Native Plant Swap & Shop on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation, located near the Trailside Nature & Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

This special event gives Union County residents the opportunity to swap up to three invasive plants from their own gardens in exchange for up to three native plants, free of charge.

“Native plants play an important role in supporting pollinators, improving biodiversity, and strengthening the health of our local environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Events like this help residents learn more about environmentally friendly gardening practices while also creating an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy one of Union County’s beautiful park spaces.”

Union County residents will be eligible to swap up to three invasive plants from their property in exchange for up to three native plants at no cost. Examples of invasive species accepted during the event include Japanese Barberry, Pachysandra, Butterfly Bush, English Ivy, Periwinkle, Garlic Mustard, and more. Native plants help support pollinators, birds, and local wildlife while promoting healthier ecosystems throughout Union County.

Residents must pre-register to participate in the plant swap portion of the event at https://ucnj.org/plant-swap/. Registration is limited to 100 participants. Out-of-county residents are welcome to attend and shop for plants, though only Union County residents are eligible to participate in the plant swap.

In addition to the swap, attendees will have the opportunity to shop for native plants from Toadshade Wildflower Farm & Native Plant Nursery. Pre-orders are recommended through the nursery’s website at www.toadshade.com. Representatives from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, including members of the Union County Chapter, will also have an informational table at the event to provide educational resources and guidance on native plants and environmentally friendly landscaping practices.

For more information about native plants in Union County, please download our free guide: “Plant This, not That.” Questions about the Plant Swap and Shop on June 11^th should be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend a special presentation examining the Revolutionary War Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield through historic maps, pension records, archaeological discoveries, and firsthand accounts from those who experienced the conflict.

Titled “The American Revolution in Union County: Using Maps, Pension Records, and Archaeological Finds to Illuminate the Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield,” the program will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center Theater.

“As we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, it is important that we continue telling the stories that shaped our communities right here in Union County,” said Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield were defining moments in our nation’s fight for independence, and programs like this help connect residents to that history in a meaningful and personal way. We are proud to support opportunities that preserve these stories and ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made on the very ground we walk today.”

The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield, fought in June 1780, were among the last major military confrontations in New Jersey before the Revolutionary War shifted to the southern colonies. This digital exhibit and discussion reexamines the battles while centering the experiences of individuals often overlooked in traditional Revolutionary War narratives, including local militiamen, women on the home front, and New Jersey residents who defended their communities during the conflict.

Using personal correspondence, Hessian journals, orderly books, Revolutionary War pension applications, and archaeological findings, the presentation will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of how the battles unfolded across landscapes that remain familiar to Union County residents today.

The program will feature presentations from historian Nicole Skalenko, geosciences lecturer Geoffrey Fouad, Monmouth University Provost and anthropology professor Dr. Richard Veit, and Kean University history professor Dr. Jonathan Mercantini. Together, the presenters will explore how modern research methods and technology are helping uncover new perspectives on New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history.

“One of the goals of our Union County 250th Anniversary Committee is to bring history to life in a way that feels accessible and relevant to today’s residents,” said Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This exhibit does exactly that by blending scholarship, technology, archaeology, and personal stories to paint a fuller picture of the people who experienced these battles firsthand. It reminds us that history is not something distant — it happened here in our neighborhoods, and its impact still echoes through our communities today.”

Nicole Skalenko holds a master’s degree in American history from Rutgers University and specializes in the military and political history of the American Revolution in New Jersey. Geoffrey Fouad is a lecturer of geosciences at Hunter College whose work focuses on interdisciplinary applications of geographic information systems. Dr. Richard Veit serves as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Monmouth University and is widely recognized for his work in archaeology and New Jersey history. Dr. Jonathan Mercantini is Acting Associate Provost for Special Projects and Professor of History at Kean University and serves on the New Jersey Historical Commission.

The event is free and open to the public.

Earlier this year, Union County launched a countywide event calendar allowing municipalities, historical organizations, and authorized community groups to submit commemorative programs and events for approval and inclusion as part of the ongoing 250th Anniversary celebration. Residents can explore upcoming activities, learn more about the initiative, and submit related events through the official Union County 250th Anniversary Event Calendar at www.ucnj.org/250. For additional updates and celebration news, residents are also encouraged to follow Union County on our app and social media pages.

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.

As part of the celebration, the dome of the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in green, red, and gold in recognition of Portuguese Heritage Month from the flag raising until the date of the parade on Sunday, June 7^th.

The event is being held in partnership with local Portuguese-American organizations and community leaders, including representatives from PALCUS and the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee.

“Union County’s continued support of our events is incredibly meaningful to the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee and to the Portuguese-American community as a whole,” said Nicholas Almeida, President of the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee. “It is a tremendous honor to raise the Portuguese flag alongside the flag of the United States of America in front of our Union County Courthouse – a powerful symbol of the pride we have in both our Portuguese heritage and our American identity. By working together, we not only strengthen community partnerships throughout Union County, but also help preserve and celebrate Portuguese-American culture and traditions for future generations both here in Elizabeth and across the county. It is important that we continue to honor and remember those who came before us and built this community, while also inspiring younger generations to carry our culture and traditions proudly into the future.”

Residents are also encouraged to participate in additional Portuguese Heritage Month celebrations and community events taking place throughout the month, including:

• Portuguese Flag Raising – June 5 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth
• Soccer Shootout – June 6 at Warinanco Park, Roselle
• Arraial Festival – June 6 at 5:00 p.m., Portuguese Instructive Social Club, 600 Grove Street, Elizabeth
• Portugal Day Parade – June 7 at 2:00 p.m., beginning at Union Square in Elizabeth
• PACA of Union Flag Raising and Community Celebration – June 9 at 7:00 p.m.
• Portugal Day Mass – June 10 at 8:00 p.m., Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street, Newark

For more information about the Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony and upcoming county events, visit www.ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit will begin its countywide tour at the Springfield Public Library, located at 66 Mountain Avenue in Springfield. The exhibit will be on display May 21 through July 2, 2026 during the library’s regular operating hours.

The exhibit features a selection of visual artwork created by middle and high school students who participated in the 2026 Union County Teen Arts Festival, an annual two-day celebration of creativity in the literary, performing, and visual arts held at UCNJ Union College of Union County, New Jersey’s Cranford campus. Several featured works have also been selected for display at the 2026 State Teen Arts Festival, which will be held in June at Middlesex College.

“The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is a wonderful reflection of the creativity, imagination, and talent that exists throughout Union County,” said Joseph C. Bodek. “These students have dedicated themselves to their craft, and this exhibit gives our community the opportunity to celebrate their hard work while encouraging the next generation of artists, storytellers, and creative thinkers.”

In celebration of the student artists, an opening reception will be held at the Springfield Public Library on Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Following its Springfield debut, the exhibit will continue touring through early 2027 with scheduled stops in Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, and at the Union County Commissioners Gallery in Elizabeth. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

The 2026 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit includes the following student artists:

Berkeley Heights
Columbia Middle School
Alyeena Sternberg
Governor Livingston High School
Addison Miller and Milagros Romero

Clark
Arthur L. Johnson High School
Kate Gonzalez and Melanie Kwok
Carl H. Kumpf Middle School
Cassy Le
Mother Seton Regional High School
Alyssa Monel and Eunice Odubanjo

Cranford
Cranford High School
Alivia Boone and Nicole Wilson
Lincoln School CAP
Nuno Carvalho
Lincoln School CAP
Maya Andersen and Logan Weber
Orange Avenue School
Gabriella Mott

Elizabeth
Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy
Sabrina Alvarado and Genesis Salas Paro
Elmora School #12
Isabel Dieguez Herrera
Elizabeth High School at Frank J. Cicarell Academy
Hannah Bolhano, Jahlaya Pedro and Jasmie Ulat
JVJ STEM Academy
Hector Perez and Alexander Taveras
Joseph Battin School #4
Nathan Persaud
Thomas Edison Career & Technical Academy
Crystal Mercado
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy
Sarai Vargas
Victor Mravlag School No. 21
Benjamin Afonso and Edward Afonso
William F. Halloran School No. 22
Margarete Perez

Garwood
Lincoln School
Avery Lee and Lucy Leonard

Kenilworth
David Brearley High School
Victoria Rodrigues

Linden
Linden High School
Chari Theodore and Clerma Romelus
McManus Middle School
Olivia Wlodyka
Soehl Middle School
Mariah Jordan

Mountainside
Deerfield School
Kennedy Moore

Plainfield
Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies Middle School
Juarez Pineda

Roselle
Abraham Clark High School
Joseline Castillo
Grace Wilday Middle School
Briana Mejia Chacon

Roselle Park
Roselle Park High School
Michael Aguanno and Isabella Rodriguez
Roselle Park Middle School
Mina Rodriguez

Springfield
Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School
Noa Kandel
Jonathan Dayton High School
Maya Jaffe and Julissa Santamaria

Scotch Plains
Union County Vocational-Technical Schools
Alexsia Matos

Union
Union High School
Frederich Tan

The Union County Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit are coordinated annually by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and the Department of Parks & Recreation to highlight and encourage the exceptional artistic talent of Union County teens. The program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs and services, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, call (908) 558-2550, or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users should call 711.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite residents and friends to kick off the summer season at Rhythm & Blues by the Brook. The fun-filled afternoon event returns to Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, May 30^th, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “From fantastic music to food trucks and family, there’s always something for everyone, and our entire County family is looking forward to this celebration of community and culture. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”

This year, Rhythm & Blues by the Brook will be headlined by hip-hop legend Kool Moe Dee. A member of Treacherous Three, one of the original Old School hip-hop crews, as well as a solo performer, he is also recognized as one of the earliest and most skilled battle emcees, evolving the battle rap subgenre. He is ranked #33 on About.com’s 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987-2007), was the winner of the 1991 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Back on the Block” with Quincy Jones, and is the first rapper to receive the NAACP Image Award. In addition, he was nominated for an additional Grammy, an MTV Video Music Award, and two Soul Train Awards. Kool Moe Dee is also the author of “There’s a God on the Mic” (2003), and has appeared in films such as “Beat Street,” “Panther,” “The New Guy,” Takeshi Kitano’s “Brother” and the Britney Spears movie “Crossroads.”

The festival will also feature Kenny Bobien, the Newark-native “King of Gospel House Music.” From his first hit, “You Are My Friend” (2004) through the present day, Bobien’s voice has been synonymous with house/club anthems by Louie Vega, Dennis Ferrer, DJ Spen, Kerri Chandler and more—and he plays equal parts pastor and performer on stage, spreading the word through his ministry of music.

Further, the legendary radio personality, media voice, and multiplatinum-selling R&B artist Miss Jones will grace the Rhythm and Blues stage. Known for her dynamic presence on PIX11 News and YouTube’s Jonesy in the Morning, listeners recognize her from classics like “Punish Me” with Big Pun, “Sugar Hill” with AZ, “Two Way Street” and more. Her performance will feature Taana Gardner and Fonda Rae.

Nu Men of Soul will also be taking the stage at Rhythm and Blues. Founded in New Jersey in 2004, the four-piece, premier R&B tribute vocal group delivers silky harmonies, smooth choreography and authentic soul sound that’s “just like the record.” Founded by Kareem D. Lewis, they have performed everywhere from New Jersey to the Bahamas, and are looking forward to delivering the golden era of R&B to Union County residents with precision, passion and class.

Finally, our returning Master of Ceremonies for Rhythm and Blues by the Brook will be DJ Bookeem, a local favorite who has made waves throughout the tri-state area. Spinning the best in R&B, funk, house, hip hop, reggae, top 40, and old school, DJ Bookeem has been featured on the Wendy Williams show, on 107.5 WBLS New York, and more—and has graced the Rhythm and Blues stage for years.

The event will feature a full afternoon of activities, including a Health & Wellness Fair, presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter of Union County and Upper Middlesex County, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Kids Zone full of activities will be available for children from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Guests are welcome to explore the food trucks and vendor tents throughout the event, which will have a wide variety of goods available for purchase. Additionally, the popular Car and Motorcycle Show Spectacular, presented by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment, will return for another year of engaging car enthusiasts.

For full schedule details and updates on Rhythm & Blues by the Brook 2026, please visit ucnj.org/randb.

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

Join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County for the 35th Annual Spring Garden Fair & Plant Sale on Sunday, May 17, from 12–4 PM at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

Enjoy a rain-or-shine afternoon of plants, gardening inspiration, and community fun. Admission and parking are free. Cash or checks only.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation are excited to announce the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Watchung Stable. The milestone event will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Watchung Stable, 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside.

“Watchung Stable has long been a beloved part of this community. This celebration is our way of honoring the rich history of the Stable, the passionate and committed staff behind the scenes, and the joy it continues to bring to families today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We welcome everyone to join us for a day filled with fun and adventure.”

The Watchung Stable Anniversary Celebration promises a day of exciting activities for all ages, featuring live music from New Jersey-based band enjoy!, a petting zoo, and guided barn tours where visitors can get hands-on experience brushing and grooming horses. There will also be a selfie station featuring some of the stable’s horses, engaging arts-and-crafts activities, and horse-riding demonstrations.

Watchung Stable has been a fixture in Union County since it opened in 1926. It has been owned and operated by the county since 1933. Originally located in Summit, the stable was relocated in 1985 to its current location to allow the completion of Route 78.

The complex houses nearly 100 horses, both county-owned and privately-owned, along with four riding rings, a show ring, and an outdoor hunter course. The facility is modern and barrier-free, including an isolation barn, paddocks, and ample storage for hay and straw.

The county has made several recent improvements to the facility, including the addition of Indoor Riding Rings to enhance accessibility for residents. In 2025, an Adaptive Riding Ring was added, providing opportunities for residents with cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges to engage in equine-assisted activities.

Visitors are welcome to explore the facility Tuesdays through Sundays during regular business hours. Guided tours and programs are available for groups, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, preschoolers, and senior citizens. Please note that pets are not allowed at Watchung Stable.

For more information about the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Watchung Stable or additional recreational programs and services offered by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, please call the department at 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/parks.

On April 18, 2026, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Union County Regional Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a stabbing inside Wheeler Park in Linden, New Jersey. Responding officers from the Union County Police Department and the Linden Police Department located a 14-year-old male victim suffering from visible lacerations to the left side of his back. The victim was transported to JFK University Medical Center in Edison for treatment of stab wounds and lacerations.

An investigation conducted by the Union County Police Department, led by Detective Waddell of the Investigations Division, resulted in the arrest of three individuals. The investigation determined that the victim was assaulted by three suspects, one of whom allegedly brandished and used a knife, causing the victim’s injuries. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office approved charges against all individuals involved.

On May 4, 2026, members of the Investigations Division arrested two adult suspects. Jaquan Roberts, of Linden, NJ, was arrested, charged, processed, and remanded to the Essex County Jail pending a detention hearing. Kayla Oliveira, of Linden, NJ, was arrested, charged, processed, and released pending a court date in Union County Superior Court.

A third juvenile suspect turned themselves in on May 6, 2026, and was charged, processed, and released pending a court date in Union County Family Court.

Charges filed in this case include:

Against Jaquan Roberts:

1. 2C:12-1B(1) – Second Degree Aggravated Assault
2. 2C:12-1B(2) – Third Degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Knife)
3. 2C:12-3A – Third Degree Terroristic Threats
4. 2C:12-3B – Third Degree Terroristic Threats (Threat to Kill)
5. 2C:39-4 – Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
6. 2C:39-5D – Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
7. 2C:24-4A(2) – Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child
8. 2C:24-4A(2) – Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Against Kayla Oliveira:

1. 2C:12-1A(1) – Disorderly Persons Offense, Simple Assault
2. 2C:24-4A(2) – Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Against the Juvenile Suspect:

1. 2C:12-1B(7) – Third Degree Aggravated Assault
2. 2C:12-1A(1) – Disorderly Persons Offense, Simple Assault

This investigation and the resulting arrests send a clear message that the Union County Police Department will continue to aggressively investigate acts of violence and pursue those who commit crimes that threaten the safety and quality of life of residents and visitors throughout the Union County Park System.