News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director Ÿ Melonie Marano, Commissioner Deputy Director
Sara Sooy, Commissioner Ÿ Paul Drake, Commissioner Ÿ Doug Singleterry, Commissioner
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2022
Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter Releases Interactive Mobile App
The App Provides Easy Access to All Services Delivered by the County Clerk, from Requesting a Mail-In ballot to Searching Land Records and More
SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter released a new mobile app providing access to all online services his office provides such as applying for mail-in ballots, and information about any services such as passports. The app is available immediately for download on the Google Play and Apple App stores.
“My office has been working hard to upgrade our 24/7 digital services for the public to let them get help in the office or at home instead of having to travel to Somerville during the day,” said Clerk Peter. “Now with this mobile app people can apply for a mail in ballot, search our deed database, or protect their privacy with our Property Notification service no matter where they are.”
In addition to online services, Somerset County residents can learn about in-person services such as how to apply for a passport, obtain a Veteran’s or Gold Star Family ID card, become a notary public, and even schedule a wedding with the Clerk presiding.
Clerk Peter used the open source, free Flutter development platform by Google to design and build the app, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars. Similar apps offered by election agencies and county clerks can cost between $25,000 and $35,000 and provide access to fewer services.
A primary goal of the Somerset County Clerk is to ensure residents have access to the Clerk’s services, and to provide those services as inexpensively as possible. To accommodate Somerset County residents for whom transportation is difficult or taking time from work during regular business hours means lost income, the Clerk has made the following improvements:
- Implemented “Extended Office Hours” every Wednesday until 6 p.m.
- Initiated weekend “Mobile Clerk” hours in communities throughout the county
- Created the Somerset County Votes website to provide easy information and office contacts for elected officials from town council to US Senator, as well as candidates listing for primary and general elections
- Created system for purchasing land deeds online with a credit card
- Moved business trade name searches and applications online
- Developed online scheduling for passport, veterans, Notary and other services
- Created web forms for mail-in ballot applications
- Expanded the website to include all services, including many historic documents
- Begun taking credit cards for most services that require payments, and
- Created the mobile app for easy, anywhere, 24/7 access to Clerk information and services.
For those who prefer to meet with Clerk Peter and his staff in person, regular business hours for the County Clerk’s office, located in the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove Street in Somerville, NJ, are Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended hours are held every Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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