Union Co. Residents Seeking School Board Seats Must File By July 25

UNION COUNTY, NJ — All Union County residents who plan to run for school board positions in their municipality must file their nominating petitions by Monday, July 25, according to County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.

Residents must file petitions in the County Clerk's Election Office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, Room 113, before 4 p.m. The annual school election will take place in New Jersey on Nov. 8.

Petition forms are available at the office in Elizabeth, or they can be downloaded from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petitions.

“As a former school board member, I encourage involvement in this important civic duty,” Rajoppi said in a statement. “Service on a school board provides the public with an opportunity to contribute to the community.”

Rajoppi also advised applicants to be aware that a state law effective July 1, 2018 permits school board candidates to circulate petitions jointly. They may be bracketed together on the ballot if they wish with one or two other candidates with the same slogan.

The 2018 law also states that a short non-political slogan cannot exceed three words. Candidates are also required to file a specific affirmation that they have not been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from office with their petition.

The County Clerk’s Elizabeth Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be reached by phone during office hours at 908-527-4996 with any inquiries regarding elections in Union County.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or [email protected].