Date: Fri 06-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

schools-LWV-voters-seniors

Full Text:

League Of Women Voters Registers NHS Seniors

(with photos)

BY DOROTHY EVANS

Acting on the belief that it's never too soon to line up and get ready to

vote, League of Women Voters representatives recently met with Newtown High

seniors, urging them to register now and vote later - by absentee ballot, if

need be.

Most of the students are already 18 years old, or will be by the November

elections.

"When the time comes for you to cast your votes in the Newtown municipal

elections next fall, most of you will be away at college or working," said

Cindy Curtis Simon, town clerk.

"You can have a say at a local level. This is your opportunity to elect the

people who feel the same as you," she said.

Cindy and several others spoke to the American Government class for 40 minutes

in the school auditorium Wednesday morning, May 28, touching upon several

topics.

They talked about Newtown's four political districts, the ability of a

registered Democrat or Republican voter to attend and vote in a political

caucus, splitting the ticket and being an unaffiliated voter.

Former Republican Selectman Jim Smith told the students that he'd experienced

several elections where the decisions came down to only a couple of votes.

"You get the chance to vote and make things happen the way you want," he

reminded the students.

Earl Smith spoke for the Democrats and predicted that by the end of the week,

Newtown would have three candidates for the office of First Selectman who

would have declared themselves.

"This business of voting is very important. The quality of your community is

dependent upon you. It starts with the individual. I urge you to become very

actively and very meaningfully involved," Earl Smith said.