Primary Day Tuesday—

Registrars, Superintendent Hoping To Ease Voter Access, Student Safety

By John Voket

Newtown’s Registrars of Voters say they have been working very closely and collaboratively with Dr Janet Robinson, the new school superintendent, addressing the many complications that have arisen because schools will be in session during next Tuesday’s Presidential Preference Primary.

“Last summer when February 5 was chosen to be Primary Day in Connecticut, the registrars requested to have a teachers in-service day like the system does on Election Day in November,” said Democratic registrar LeReine Frampton. “This did not happen, so Dr Robinson is addressing the many issues involved with sharing their facilities during school hours.” 

Karin Aurelia, the Republican registrar, said the most obvious problem is traffic congestion and parking shortages. 

“The easiest answer is to have the students take the bus on Primary Day,” she said. 

The most worrisome problem for all involved is the safety of the students, Ms Aurelia said. 

“To best protect the students’ safety, there will not be any access from the polling place into the school,” she said.  “It has been agreed that students and staff must enter and leave the polling place the same as any other voter. There are no short cuts allowed into the school from the polling area. This will inconvenience some but ensure safety for all.”

The registrars have issued the following alerts to help voters plan for their visit to the polls February 5:

District 1 voters report to Newtown Middle School Gym A. The heaviest traffic at that site is expected between 6:30 and 7:40 am and between 1:30 and 2:30 pm. Student drop off will be behind the cafeteria, not in the front of the school. Voter parking is on the side and behind the gym. The front horseshoe will be blocked off and vehicles will be entering by the traffic light by Wachovia Bank.  This is the same procedure as during a referendum.

District 2 voters report to Reed Intermediate School Cafetorium. The heaviest traffic at that site is expected between 7:45 and 8:45 am and between 2:20 and 3:20 pm.  Student drop off will be around back after 8:20 am; student pick up will be around back at 3 pm. Staff parking is around back and across the street. The front parking lot is reserved for election use only. There will be signs out to direct you where to go.

District 3-1 voters report to the Head O’ Meadow Elementary School Cafetorium. The heaviest traffic at that site is expected between 8:30 and 9:30 am and between 3:15 and 3:45 pm. Student drop off has not changed. Voter parking is reserved  straight ahead by the cafetorium entrance. There will be signs.

District 3-2 voters who formerly reported to Middle Gate School now vote at the Edmond  Town Hall Gymnasium. Voters can find handicapped spots on the left as they enter the driveway from Main Street, providing easy access to the elevator. There are additional handicapped spots beside the rear gym entrance for those not requiring the elevator.  There will be signs.

All polling places will be open 6 am to 8 pm. Registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic Primary and registered Republicans can vote in the Republican Primary. 

“No one else can vote,” Ms Frampton said. “If you need to join a party, there is still time, but you must go to the registrars’ office in person.”

There will be office hours Saturday between 9 and 11 am, and the registrars office will also be open from 9 am until the cut off for registering with a party at noon on Monday February 4. 

All absentee balloting is done through the town clerk’s office. Any person who would be eligible to vote in the Democratic or Republican Presidential Preference Primary to be held on February 5 may obtain an absentee ballot if he or she appeared in person and is unable to appear in person for one or more of the following reasons set forth in Connecticut General Statutes Section 9-135:           

* Illness or physical disability

* Absence from town during voting hours

* Religious beliefs which forbid secular activity

* Active US military service

* Service as an election official at a polling place other than his/her own polling place

Any person who is eligible to vote by absentee ballot may apply in person or by mail to the Town Clerk of Newtown, as applicable for an absentee ballot for the February 5, Democratic or Republican Presidential Preference Primary. Absentee ballots have been available in the Town Clerk’s Office since January 15. 

The town clerk will also be available to process applications and absentee ballots on Saturday, February 2, from 9 to 11 am at the town hall.

Any voter with questions about absentee ballots may call the town clerk during business hours at 270-4210.

Anyone with questions regarding becoming affiliated with a party to vote in the primary should call the registrars office at 270-4250. If the office is closed, leave a message and the registrars will return the call as soon as possible.