Absentee Ballots Available, Voter Registration Urged

Newtown Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia and Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz have both issued announcements encouraging eligible voters who know they will not be available to vote on Election Day to file absentee ballots.

Ms Aurelia said that any person who would be eligible to vote in the state election to be held on November 2, and is unable to appear in person for one or more of the reasons set forth in Connecticut General Statutes Section 9-135, may cast his or her vote by absentee ballot. 

Those reasons include:

*Absence from town during voting hours;

*Religious beliefs which forbid secular activity;

*Active US military service; and

*Service as an election official at a polling place other than his or 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 November 2 election. 

Absentee ballots are now available in the town clerk’s office, within Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, within the Fairfield Hills campus.

The town clerk will also be available to process applications and absentee ballots on Saturday, October 30, from 9 am until noon.

Ms Bysiewicz also reminded eligible voters in Connecticut to register to vote by the deadline of October 26, so they can cast ballots in the General Election. 

“With just over 30 days before the 2010 election, I urge any registered voters who know they will be out of town or otherwise unable to make it to their polling place on Election Day to apply for an absentee ballot now,” said Secretary Bysiewicz, Connecticut’s chief elections official. “Don’t put off applying for an absentee ballot until it is too late — make sure you have a say in who represents you in Hartford and Washington, DC.

“If you haven’t yet registered to vote, the deadline to register is Tuesday October 26, and I urge all eligible voters in Connecticut: don’t sit on the sidelines,” urged Ms Bysiewicz. “Register to vote so your voice will be heard on Election Day.”

Any questions locally can be directed to the town clerk’s office, 203-270-4210.