Category: Public Info

The Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team is conducting a text message survey of Union County residents who have received free COVID-19 tests at the County’s COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center and the Mobile COVID-19 Test Unit. First responders and front-line health workers who work in New Jersey are also eligible to receive free tests regardless of residence, and are included in the survey.

The Test Center and Mobile Test Unit are initiatives of the Freeholder Board in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Test Center is the first County-based facility of its kind in New Jersey. It has conducted well over 40,000 COVID-19 tests since opening at the Kean University campus in Union Township on March 23.

The Mobile Test Unit travels to various locations in Union County and has conducted more than 2,000 tests for senior residences and other at-risk population groups on a walk-up basis, with no car required. The Mobile Test Unit is also available to the general public on a walk-up basis.

“If you receive a text message from the Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team regarding the survey, please take a moment to answer a few brief questions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Your answers will help us ensure that these free services continue to play an instrumental role in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community.”

The survey is an official program of the Union County Division of Health in the Department of Public Safety, conducted by staff under the title, “Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team.” All responses are completely confidential.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi urges voters to familiarize themselves with Vote-by-Mail procedures in advance of receiving their Vote-by Mail ballot for the  November 3 General Election. By Executive Order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the General Election will be held mainly through Vote-by-Mail ballots.

“Although the July 7 Primary Election was conducted by mail, the process is still new to many Union County voters. It is important for every voter to understand how to fill out and return their Vote-by-Mail ballot, to ensure their voice is heard on Election Day,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

“Inaccurate information can easily travel across social media, which makes it all the more important for voters to become familiar with Vote-by-Mail,” added Ms. Rajoppi. “Vote-by-Mail is a reliable and accurate way to vote.”

Vote-by-Mail ballots will be mailed to voters beginning this September. The mailings will continue through the first week of October.

To help voters learn about voting in the General Election, Ms. Rajoppi has posted FAQs on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, and on the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Among the most frequently asked questions are:

1. Who is going to automatically receive a VBM (Vote-by-Mail) ballot?

All active, registered voters will automatically be mailed a VBM ballot. Please be sure to read the instructions carefully before filling out the ballot.

2. Do voters need to file an application to receive a VBM ballot?

No. VBM ballots will be sent automatically to all registered voters for the November 3 election. Governor Murphy’s Executive Order acts as the application from the voter.

3. Can I vote at a polling place?

A limited number of polling places will be open on November 3 for voters who are disabled and need to use a voting machine. Any other voter coming to the polling location to vote will be given a paper or provisional ballot.

4. How can I return my VBM ballot?

There are multiple ways to return a VBM ballot prior to Election Day, and on Election Day.

1. Use any one of the 13 ballot drop-off boxes that will be placed at various locations in Union County. The locations will be announced in September.
2. Drop it off at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street and in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East, or at the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth at 271 North Broad Street.
3. Send the ballot by U.S. Mail. Pre-paid postage is provided on the ballot return envelope.
4. On Election Day, voters can bring their VBM ballot to their designated polling place.

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, including guidance on the free Drive-Through 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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County’s Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will accept applications until October 13

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2021 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program. The 2021 HEART Grants fund projects and activities taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2021. The application deadline is October 13, 2020. The draft deadline for first-time applicants is October 2.

HEART Grants are administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Grants are awarded for projects related to local history, the arts and humanities. Union County based non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations or individual artists, historians or others with programs that benefit Union County residents are eligible to apply.

 “The response to the HEART Grant Program in past years has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The recipients are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians and dancers – as well as organizations. Heart Grants make it possible for the residents of Union County to gain an increased appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities.”

The due date for 2021 HEART Grant applications is October 13. Applicants must submit one original and three copies. First-time applicants must submit a draft of the narrative and budget page by October 2. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Grant Writing Workshop for those wishing to apply will not be available. Applicants can request an individual telephone consultation to review their HEART Grant questions at 908-558-2550.

Organizations can request up to $2,500 (with a 25% cash match for anything over $1,000). Individuals can request up to $1,000 (no cash match required). The grant program period is 1/1/20-12/31/21. Residents should consult instructions and guidelines to know if a program is eligible.

For additional information about the HEART Grant, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs by email at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users may dial 711.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.

Union County, NJ – Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte issued the following statement in response to actions reportedly taken by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resulting in delays in the delivery of mail.

“If accurate, the reports of an intentional slowdown in mail delivery go beyond allegations of election interference to impact the emotional and financial well-being of our residents, who are already coping with the economic and social fallout of the COVID-19 crisis as they work through the process of estate settlement,” said Surrogate LaCorte. “Any delay in the normal course of procedure only adds to the stress and heartbreak of losing a loved one.”

“Postmaster DeJoy has announced his intention to suspend his actions, but the damage has already been done. The Postal Service must be returned to normal operations as quickly as possible, and those responsible for this callous neglect of a vital, constitutionally mandated service must be called to account for their actions,” added LaCorte.

The Surrogate’s Office has been experiencing delays of up to three weeks in mail delivery since June, even as the need for its services has increased significantly during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In July, the office conducted 64 administrations and 155 probates, an overall increase of almost 40% compared to July 2019.

The Office of the Union County Surrogate is responsible for probating wills and appointing administrators and trustees of decedents’ estates. In order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the office has been conducting transactions through the U.S. Postal Service as well as by phone, email, and fax. The office also maintains a drop box for contactless delivery of paperwork.

For more information about the programs and services of the Union County Surrogate, visit ucnj.org/surrogate, email sbadri@ucnj.org or lbrophy@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4280.

Questions and concerns may also be faxed to the Surrogate’s Office at 908-351-9212.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents who have lost a loved one that there is a simple procedure for removing them from the elections roll, in order to discontinue Vote-by-Mail ballots or other official election mailings under the deceased’s name.

“Because of the increased use of Vote-by-Mail ballots this year, my office has received many calls from residents who continue to receive Vote-by-Mail ballots for loved ones who have passed away,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It is heartbreaking to hear of their distress, and I hope this guidance helps in some small way to ease their grief.”

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued executive orders mandating that the 2020 Primary and General elections be held primarily by mail, resulting in a significant increase in the use of Vote-by-Mail ballots.

To have a deceased voter removed from the election rolls in Union County, a family member or next of kin must send a signed letter to the Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

The letter must indicate that the person who has passed away should be removed from the rolls, and it must include the deceased person’s name, address, date of birth, and date of death. A copy of the death certificate must be included.

Residents who have moved within Union County are also urged to file a voter registration form with their new address by Tuesday, October 13. Registration forms are available for download through the County Clerk’s website, unioncountyvotes.com, and through the free Union County Votes app for mobile devices.

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.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through 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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Union County Freeholder Andrea Staten and Freeholder Rebecca joined with the United Way of Greater Union County and volunteers from the County of Union in Plainfield to distribute food donated by Amazon.com through United Way to various organizations throughout Union County. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Event will be conducted in compliance with statewide rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has announced a walk-up screening of the movie, “Trolls World Tour” on Tuesday, August 25 at the cricket field in Warinanco Park located in Roselle. The screening is free to attend and the movie begins at dusk.  Pre-registration is not required.

“The Freeholder Board is pleased to continue to offer opportunities for our residents to enjoy a ‘night out at the movies’ with their families while staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Walk-up screenings are a great way to spend time with your family while enjoying the summer weather in our county parks.”

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Social distancing circles will be drawn on the ground for adequate spacing between groups. Circles will be occupied on a first-come first-served basis.

Masks are strongly encouraged in all Union County parks. Attendees are required to maintain a distance of 6 feet between groups. Masks must be worn where social distancing is not possible. Masks are required when using port-o-johns. Attendees are invited to bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

For information on Parks Department activities during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit ucnj.org/parks.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.

Freeholder Angela Garretson and County Manager Ed Oatman will be hosting a parks update via Zoom to listen to your comments and concerns regarding your local County parks in Hillside Wednesday at 5:30pm. Please register at ucnj.org/freeholders-special-talk to participate.

More drop boxes will be available; voters can also hand-deliver their ballots to polling places on Election Day.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises voters in Union County that there will be additional opportunities to cast Vote-by-Mail ballots prior to and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, under new statewide rules established by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 177.

“The measures outlined in the new Executive Order will provide more options for Union County voters to cast a Vote-by-Mail ballot in this important presidential election, while protecting themselves and the Union County community against infection by the COVID-19 virus,” said Ms. DiRado.

Under the new Executive Order which was signed by Governor Murphy on Friday, August 14, 2020, all active, registered voters will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot in advance of Election Day.

Voters are strongly advised to fill out their Vote-by-Mail ballot as soon as they receive it, and return it prior to Election Day by any of these methods:

• Use the postage-paid ballot return envelope to mail the ballot to the Board of Elections through the U.S. Postal Service. Voters who choose this method are especially urged to fill out and mail their ballot promptly, in order to account for any unforeseen delays in mail delivery. Note: ballots postmarked on or before November 3 will be counted, if they are received by the Board of Elections by November 10. Ballots without a postmark will also be counted, but only if they are received by November 5.
• Drop off the ballot at a designated, secure drop box. Union County had five drop boxes for the Primary Election and will add at least five more for the General Election, for a total of at least 10. Each drop box will be located at a facility that is under 24/7 surveillance.  Further, ballots deposited in a drop box are picked up daily by a bipartisan team of employees of the Union County Board of Elections.
• Deliver the ballot by hand to the Union County Board of Elections office in Elizabeth, at 271 North Broad Street.  Ballots may also be hand delivered to the Union County Clerk’s Office at either 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth or 300 North Avenue East, Westfield.   Voters wishing to hand deliver their ballots must present either a NJ Driver’s License or a NJ-issued Identification Card, pursuant to existing statutes.
• Designate a person to deliver your ballot for you (follow the instructions on the Vote-by-Mail ballot to designate a ballot bearer; by law, one ballot bearer may deliver up to three ballots for other voters).

On Election Day, Tuesday November 3, the Union County Election Board and the ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00 p.m.

Voters can also drop off their Vote-by-Mail ballots at their designated polling place on Election Day. A full list of polling place and drop box locations will be available by September 15, 2020 ucnj.org/boe.

Voters without a Vote-by-Mail ballot can vote in person at their designated polling place on Election Day. All in-person voters will be required to fill out a provisional paper ballot at their polling place. ADA-compliant voting machines will be available only for people with disabilities who cannot use a provisional paper ballot.

For additional instructions and reminders on filling out a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the Board of Elections online.

To contact the Board of Elections call 908-527-4123 or email ucboe@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board informs residents that the Child Safety Seat Inspection Center will resume operation beginning Wednesday, August 19. Safety Seat inspections are conducted at the Garwood First Aid Squad, located at 401 2^nd Avenue, every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  

“The Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is a potentially life-saving service that has provided thousands of Union County residents with the opportunity to understand the requirements of New Jersey state law while working to keep our youngest residents safe in motor vehicles,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Safety seat inspections will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Everyone, including children, is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing with others attending the inspection facility. It is recommended that whenever possible, only parents/caregivers and children essential to the inspection attend.

Certified child passenger safety technicians will check the car seat for proper installation and educate parents and guardians on using the seat correctly. Parents and caregivers should be prepared to assist with the installation of the car seats, unless they are elderly or physically incapable. Residents coming for an inspection are asked to read the owner’s manuals for both their vehicle and the car seat and attempt to install the seat before arriving.

The proper use and installation of child safety seats is one of the most effective methods for protecting the lives of children in the event of a motor vehicle accident. Union County first launched the Child Safety Seat Inspection Program in 1999, in response to surveys showing that the overwhelming majority of child safety seats are improperly installed, even though most users are confident that they know the correct procedure.

New Jersey’s new child safety seat regulations took effect in September of 2015. The new State law requires parents to adhere to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for child passenger safety.

The Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is provided as a public service by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Union County Police Department, New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, AAA Northeast – NJ Division, and the Garwood First Aid Squad.

Union County’s Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is run every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and no appointment is necessary. The inspection program is closed on major holidays and during inclement weather.

For more information about the car seat inspection program, the CarFit program for seniors, or the bicycle helmet safety initiative visit ucnj.org/childseats or contact Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator, by email at cmarcantonio@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-789-6830.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.