Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming Annual Westfield School Election will be available beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Voters may obtain mail-in ballots in person at either of the two Union County Clerk’s offices:
Westfield 300 North Avenue East Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00am – 7:30pm Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Elizabeth 2 Broad Street Monday through Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Vote-by-mail ballots for this election will also be mailed to voters who have requested them, beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The Annual Westfield School Election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Voters are encouraged to plan ahead and review all election materials carefully.
For more information regarding vote-by-mail, ballot drop-off options, and polling locations, please visit www.unioncountyvotes.com, contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.
Voters Must Update Their Party Affiliation by April 8th in Order to Participate in the 2026 Primary Election on June 2nd
The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 8th, in order to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 2nd.
“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 2, 2026 Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 8th.”
Ms. DiRado also wishes to highlight a relatively new law which went in to affect a few years ago. Any unaffiliated voter, who has previously voted in a Primary Election and who has opted to receive a vote by mail ballot for all future elections, or for the June 2 primary election, must declare their party by April 8 in order to receive their vote by mail ballot. Only voters who have never voted in a primary election or first time voters can receive a vote by mail ballot after completing a party affiliation form beyond the April 8 party affiliation deadline.
Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation. Voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.
Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:
Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s candidates in the June 2nd primary. The April 8 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls during early voting from May 26 to May 31, 2026 or on June 2, Election Day.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, will be offering a free self-defense class for women ages 18 and older on Wednesday, April 22nd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
“We’re proud to offer self-defense classes for women that support confidence, awareness, and connection within our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These classes break down simple, effective ways to stay aware and trust your instincts. Everyone deserves to feel confident in their ability to protect themselves.”
Empower & Protect: Self-Defense Essentials for Women 18 and Over is designed to empower participants with practical skills, confidence, and awareness. Led by experienced law enforcement professionals, these sessions provide hands-on instruction in personal safety techniques, situational awareness, and strategies to help prevent and respond to potential threats. Whether you are looking to build confidence, increase your personal safety knowledge, or take a proactive step toward self-protection, these classes offer valuable tools you can carry with you every day.
“Every class brings in a new group of participants, which tells us these sessions are really making an impact,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “It’s encouraging to see so many women prioritizing their awareness and safety while building the confidence they need to feel more prepared in their everyday lives.”
Space is limited, and registration is required. These classes involve partnered practice, please consider registering with a friend or family member. To participate in the hands-on portion, attendees must complete a waiver, and wearing comfortable, gym attire is advised. For more information or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org/women. To contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women, please call at 908-527-4216 or email Jerdos@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
Seniors and Caregivers Invited to Neighborhood Libraries to Access Resources and Strengthen Community Connections
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in April to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Beginning this April, bilingual assistance will be available at all ASK events.
“We designed our ‘ASK’ program to keep our senior community connected, informed, and hopeful about their future. At these events, residents have the opportunity to speak with our friendly and helpful staff that is ready to answer their questions and connect them with any available resources that can help them save money, maintain essential services, or improve their quality of life,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We invite all seniors and caregivers to visit their neighborhood library to learn how we can help.”
The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.
Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in April:
Tuesday, April 7th Hillside Public Library 1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, April 16th Elizabeth Public Library – Main 11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, April 22nd Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street, Westfield 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29th Rahway Public Library 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“This program wouldn’t be as remarkably successful without the outstanding staff at our Division on Aging. Their dedication to Union County seniors and caregivers is unmatched,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.
For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
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.
