BREAKING: Early Voting in Union City Marred by Allegations of Voter Intimidation, Unequal Access, and Fraud

Union City, NJ — What should be a celebration of democracy has instead devolved into a growing scandal, as early voting in Union City faces mounting allegations of voter intimidation, voter suppression, and possible election fraud — all with political eyes squarely fixed on longtime Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack.

Multiple videos circulating across social media in recent days show apparent supporters of Brian Stack openly influencing voters outside a critical early voting location — the voting trailer stationed directly outside of Collin Powell Elementary School. In one particularly disturbing clip, a woman appearing to be a working city crossing guard is seen carrying a bundle of political flyers for Stack’s endorsed candidates and allegedly instructing voters on who to cast their ballots for. In another video, similar activity is shown as individuals hand out materials and attempt to sway voters just steps from the polling location.

These incidents have sparked outrage from members of the community and Stack’s opposition alike, who say these actions represent not only ethical violations but potential criminal behavior that undermines free and fair elections.

“The whole early voting process in Union City is looking more like a controlled operation than a democratic exercise,” said a concerned voter who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation. “They’re telling people who to vote for, right outside the trailers.”

Under New Jersey law, it is illegal to engage in electioneering—such as distributing campaign materials or soliciting votes—within 100 feet of a polling place. Specifically, N.J. Rev. Stat. § 19:34-15 states:

“If a person shall distribute or display any circular or printed matter or offer any suggestion or solicit any support for any candidate, party or public question within the polling place or room or within a distance of 100 feet of the outside entrance to such polling place or room… the person shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.” 

This statute underscores the seriousness of maintaining a neutral zone around polling locations to protect voters from undue influence. The recent incidents in Union City, where individuals were observed distributing campaign materials and directing voters near the City Hall voting trailer, appear to be in direct violation of this law.

In what many see as further evidence of systemic bias, a lawsuit recently filed by Stack’s challengers — Tony Hector and Frank Alonso — alleges that the city and the Hudson County Division of Elections have intentionally limited voting access for the growing population along the waterfront of LD 33. According to the complaint, the opposition requested that early voting trailers also be placed in the developed waterfront area, where thousands of new residents now reside. The request was denied.

Despite the legal challenge, a judge ruled against placing additional trailers on the waterfront, prompting cries of voter suppression. “This decision effectively disenfranchises thousands of voters,” said Alonso. “The waterfront deserves equal access to the ballot box, just like every other neighborhood.”

What adds fuel to the controversy is that Union City currently operates ten early voting trailers — an extraordinarily high number for a city of its size. In stark contrast, many larger or neighboring municipalities provide only a handful — with some offering just one early voting location. Critics say the uneven distribution of trailers suggests deliberate political engineering, creating easier access to polling sites in areas favorable to Stack’s political base while ignoring newer and more diverse populations less likely to support him.

An anonymous source inside City Hall has added a disturbing layer to the growing scandal, revealing to our outlet that they have personally witnessed voter fraud occurring within the trailer outside of City Hall. The source, who spoke under strict confidentiality, claims to have seen “ballots being mishandled” and “inappropriate interactions between election staff and political operatives.”

“These aren’t just rumors anymore,” the source warned. “This is real. The integrity of the vote is being compromised right in front of us — and no one is stopping it.”

This isn’t the first time Union City and Brian Stack have faced accusations of improper election activity. In past election cycles, residents have reported similar patterns of coercion, with Stack’s political operatives known for canvassing aggressively, utilizing city resources, and even deploying municipal workers to campaign. Past controversies include alleged abuse of city vans to transport only select voters, as well as claims of political favoritism in public service delivery and housing assignments.

For critics, this latest series of events paints a grim picture of a political machine using every lever of power to maintain its grip on the city.

The growing scandal has already begun drawing attention from local civic groups and election integrity watchdogs. Calls are mounting for the Hudson County Board of Elections, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, and federal authorities to step in.

If you have any information regarding voter intimidation, voter fraud, or election tampering, you are urged to contact the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office immediately, or call the FBI to report any potential election-related violations.

Additionally, US District Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba has recently expressed her intention to investigate voter fraud across the state of New Jersey. Many residents and election integrity advocates hope that these unfolding incidents in Union City will come to the attention of Habba’s legal team and prompt a broader statewide probe into systemic abuse.

In a city where Brian Stack has held near-total political control for decades, the question now is whether Union City residents — particularly those in underserved and ignored neighborhoods — will be allowed to vote freely and fairly. The integrity of this election, and faith in the democratic process itself, hangs in the balance.

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