Registrars, Town Clerk Provide Last Minute Voting Information
Registrars, Town Clerk Provide Last Minute Voting Information
By John Voket
One of the lowest profile contests on this yearâs local ballot is no contest at all.
Both the local Democratic and Republican Registrars of Voters are running uncontested races. And since one registrar must be elected from each major party, both Republican Karin Aurelia and Democrat LeReine Frampton are expected to be returned to respective four-year terms.
In keeping with their current responsibilities, the Registrar of Voters office has issued a number of Election Day reminders.
First and foremost, voters are asked to be respectful of local poll workers who may be putting in 15â16 hours on November 4, with an unusually high to unprecedented turnout expected, according to Ms Frampton.
Ms Aurelia said to expedite their wait to cast a ballot, incoming voters are asked to have a photo identification ready to present. In lieu of a photo identification, the polling workers can accept a preprinted ID with a signature and/or an address, like a social security card, or a signed credit card.
The last day to register to vote was October 28, except in the case of individuals who become a US Citizen, become of legal age, or if they have relocated to town between October 29 and November 4. Documentation of proof will be required in all instances.
There is a no campaigning within 75 feet of the polls. There cannot be any party or candidate information or identification showing. Any buttons or other candidate or party branded items must be concealed once voters enter the 75-foot zone.
Polls are open 6 am until 8 pm, and registrars expect to be busiest after 4 pm. Ms Aurelia said based on previous traffic patterns she expects the shortest wait to vote will be between noon and 3 pm.
She said the registrars have tried to schedule poll workers to minimize waiting to cast a ballot.
Once inside the privacy area, voters are reminded to use the pen provided to completely fill in the oval âbubbleâ with a mark corresponding to the vote they wish to cast, Ms Frampton said, noting that the scanner may not read and register Xâs or check marks.
A demonstration table will be provided in every polling place for voters to practice casting a new electronic ballot, and to instruct voters who may require the use of the telephone polling device. Poll workers will also be available to lend appropriate assistance.
The townâs website, www.newtown-ct.gov has a button called âWhere do I vote?â Residents who are qualified to vote are encouraged to use this feature to locate their polling place. The registrars have issued the following information to help voters plan for their visit to the polls November 4.
There is no school on Election Day, so no school-related traffic issues are anticipated.
District 1 voters report to Newtown Middle School Gym A. 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. 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 Oâ Meadow Elementary School Cafetorium. 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.
Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia advises Newtown voters that absentee ballots are available for the state election to be held in Newtown on Tuesday, November 4.
Any qualified registered voter may vote absentee if unable to vote in person due to illness or physical disability, absence from town during voting hours, religious beliefs that forbid secular activity, active US military service, or service as an election official at a polling place other than his or her own polling place.
Any such person who is eligible to vote by absentee ballot may apply in person or by mail to the town clerk of Newtown. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Special hours for absentee voting will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 9 am until noon, at the town clerkâs office in Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street.
Anyone with questions regarding absentee ballots can contact the town clerkâs office at 270-4210.
The registrars reports that since the October high school referendum, their office has logged 527 new voters, bringing the local voter rolls to 17,167.