Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is advising residents to utilize mail-in ballots, in accordance with Governor Phil Murphy’s recommendation for the upcoming July 7 primary election. Existing New Jersey state law permits all eligible voters to use a mail-in ballot, for any reason, but will in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic it will become the main mode of voting.
“My office has anticipated that significantly more voters will use a mail-in ballot during the COVID-19 outbreak, and we have already begun printing additional ballots,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “We have been preparing well in advance to ensure that every eligible voter in Union County has the opportunity to participate in the July 7 Primary while observing precautions against spreading or contracting the virus.”
According to the press release, the County Clerk will provide all postage for mail-in ballots and applications. In addition, all envelopes will be self-sealing.
The following adjustments have been made to normal mail-in balloting procedures in Union County and throughout New Jersey:
- All registered Democrats and Republicans will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot in June.
- All registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party, and all inactive voters, will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail application in June. These voters must fill out and return the application in order to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballot.
- Sample ballots will be posted on com prior to Election Day; they will not be mailed to voters.
The following deadlines apply for the July 7 Primary Election:
- Residents who wish to register to vote must do so by June 16. Registration forms are available online at com.
- Applications for a mail-in ballot must be filled out and returned to the County Clerk by June 30 in order to receive a mail-in ballot in time for the Primary Election.
- Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than July 7 and received by the Board of Elections no later than July 14
Also in accordance with Governor Murphy’s order, a limited number of secure ballot drop-off locations will be available for persons who cannot return their ballots by U.S. Post. A limited number of in-person polling places will also be provided, for voters who are unable to use a mail-in ballot. Ballot drop-off and in-person polling place locations will be posted on unioncountyvotes.com when available.
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 for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.
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