Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announced on Mar. 27 that the ballot position drawing for the June 2, 2026 Primary Election will be held both in person and livestreamed on Facebook. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 2 at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 401 of the Rotunda at the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. A link to view the livestream will be posted prior to the drawing on the County Clerk’s elections website.
The announcement aims to make election proceedings accessible to more residents by providing both an in-person option and a remote viewing alternative. This approach is intended to increase transparency and convenience for voters who wish to observe how ballot positions are determined.
“The ballot drawing will take place in person as provided for by statute, and we also offer the opportunity to view the proceedings online for those who wish to follow along remotely,” said Joanne Rajoppi.
Rajoppi reminded voters interested in voting by mail that they must apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot by Tuesday, May 26, 2026. She also noted a recent update from the United States Postal Service indicating that postmarks now reflect when mail is processed rather than when it is dropped off. In New Jersey, vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day; ballots with later postmarks will not be counted. Voters are encouraged to mail their ballots early or use secure drop boxes.
A new state law requires unaffiliated voters who want to vote by mail in the Primary Election to declare their party affiliation with either the Democratic or Republican Party by Wednesday, April 8. Party declaration forms can be downloaded from state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-party-affiliation-declaration.shtml and must be returned signed to the Union County Board of Elections in Elizabeth. This requirement does not apply to overseas voters.
Voters may choose between voting at their regular polling place on Election Day or participating during early voting from May 26 through May 31 at designated locations; these sites will be listed online prior to early voting periods.
For additional information about voting procedures or applying for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, residents can visit unioncountyvotes.com or call (908)527-4996.
