From the First Selectman
Governor Ned Lamont signed early voting legislation in May 2023. This piece of legislation became effective for any elections after Jan. 1, 2024. The legislation, Public Act 23-5, requires 14 days of early voting for general elections, seven days of early voting for most primaries, and four days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries. This will apply to elections and primaries that occur on or after Jan. 1, 2024. Every municipality in the state will be required to establish at least one early voting location and has the option of establishing more.
Connecticut is one of the last states in the nation to adopt a system of early voting. Now that Governor Lamont has signed this bill, the only states that do not permit early voting are Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire. All other states allow it.
The bill passed the House of Representatives on May 4, 2023, on a bipartisan vote of 107-35, with nine people absent. It passed in the Senate on May 31, 2023, on a bipartisan vote of 27-7, with two people absent.
With early voting in place, the Town Registrars, along with the moderator, needed to be present for seven days prior to the primary in August, and 14 days prior to the presidential election. Some of the mandated hours resulted in registrars working 16-hour days. Registrars Kathy Healey and Toni Doubleday organized and recruited poll workers to assist during early voting and on Election Day. Moderator Bob Willams also worked long days to ensure this election process went smoothly for Eastford voters. Constables Chris Bowen, Randal Chinnock, and Arvind Shaw provided a reassuring presence throughout the day.
There was a small glitch with one of the tabulators resulting in late reporting of Eastford numbers, but the numbers were reported, and all your votes were counted.
Early voting comes with a cost, which will be reflected in next year’s budget. There was a small supplement for salaries from the state this year, but with the increase in hours comes an increase in the salaries we need to pay registrars, moderator, and the poll workers. This increase will be reflected in next year’s budget.
Kudos to our Registrars and a big thank you to everyone who helped at the polls to make early voting and Election Day a big success in Eastford!
If you would like to get involved in helping your town, join a committee or commission and make a difference!
- Senior Citizens Committee — Michelle Palulis, [email protected]
- Inlands Wetlands Committee — [email protected]
- Planning — [email protected]
- Conservation and Historic Preservation — Roger Wolfe, [email protected]
- Recreation Commission — [email protected] or [email protected]
- Transfer Station Committee — [email protected]
- Bowens Field Committee — [email protected]
- Emergency Management — [email protected]
Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season!