The Newtown Registrars of Voters Office has released detailed on-site voting criteria for the August 11 primary — and has received clearance to conduct all primary polling in three separate, accessible locations at Newtown High School.

The first of a pair of releases sent to The Newtown Bee on July 7 outlines a switch from the three different sites to three polling centers at the high school.

“We currently have six districts and voting is held in three polling places. There are three locations in the high school,” the release states. “There are two cafeterias and a very large lobby. All three locations are larger than regular locations. All three have direct access to a parking lot and no stairs involved. They are on different sides of the building so each spot also has its own parking area right next to the door. The entire school is air conditioned.

“We will have signs posted about the change in polling locations around town the week of July 6 and at each regular polling location,” the release continues. Polling details will be posted on the local registrars’ Facebook page, and on the town website.

Voters from District 1 and 1-5 who usually vote at the Middle School will vote in the rear cafeteria. Those from District 2 and 3-2 who usually vote at the Reed School will vote in the front cafeteria. And those who reside in District 3-1 and 3-5 and usually vote at the Head O’ Meadow School will vote in the Newtown High School main lobby.

Only Democrats may vote in the Democratic Primary. Only Republicans may vote in the Republican Primary. This is according to state party rules and statute — voters may bring their own pen (not red) or poll workers will have small pencils to mark the ballot.

On Primary Day, as voters enter the grounds of the high school, the release states there will be a “huge sign” listing each district’s polling place, the location of a corresponding parking area, and reminder about wearing protective masks.

Wear A Mask

The registrars request only Democratic and Republican voters report to their polling site, every voter wear a mask, and that voters maintain the recommended six feet of social distancing at all times.

“Outside each polling place we will have a worker with sanitizer and a voting list to make sure voters are in the right location,” the release states. The poll worker will offer sanitizer and masks if a voter does not have one.

“They will also ensure that the numbers in the polling place do not exceed guidelines. They will be under a pop-up with tables to maintain social distancing, and voters unable to wear masks — or who have children with them will be offered curbside voting.”

To best protect poll workers, each will be assigned a large zip lock bag with their name on it containing a cloth mask individually packaged, a small sanitizer, two pens that will clip on their lanyard, a small note pad, name badge on lanyard, wrapped straws, and wrapped utensils. All food registrars will be supplying will be individually wrapped for workers, and water bottles will be made available.

“There will be additional cloth masks individually packaged at the Moderator table to trade off during the day. There will be disposable masks available for those who prefer them,” the release states.

Voter Instructions

Each checker will have a counter shield at their table. Voters will be asked to place their ID against the shield so it can be read by the checker — then the checker will slide a ballot under the shield to voter. The voter will be able to pick up a manila folder for a privacy sleeve and a writing utensil to use to mark their vote.

Once an individual votes, there will be a bin for the folders and one for the writing instrument, which will not be used again until November. Moderator, assistants, tabulator tender, and other workers will be using face shields along with their masks, and privacy booths will be sanitized throughout the day.

“We will have disposable masks and gloves available for the voters. We will be marking the floor with arrows and six foot markings, and using our crowd control poles... to keep social distancing within the polls and outside,” the release continues.

Voters enter directly into polling place, and after casting their ballot, will go along a designated path leading directly to the exit door. Voters will have no access to any other part of the school.

“Many of our workers have agreed to work but we are looking for students to help so our regulars do not feel obligated,” the release states. “Our goal is to make voting in person as safe as possible for both our workers and our voters. We don’t want anyone to fear voting.”

If an elector votes by absentee, they cannot vote in person as well. Voters may call 203-270-4210 regarding absentee questions.

Any primary day questions can be directed to the Registrars office at 203-270-4250.