Absentee Ballots Available–

Questions Sought For Candidates Forum

Election season is ramping up locally as absentee ballots for the November 6 contest become available, and The Newtown Bee readies for its annual candidates forum October 16 at Edmond Town Hall. The local registrars of voters are also planning a special registration session for qualified individuals hoping to vote in the November 6 elections.

This year the newspaper’s forum will feature six individuals running for assembly seats representing the 106th, the 112th, and the Second Districts.

The 106th District contenders are Republican Mitch Bolinsky and Democrat Lisa Romano vying for a seat being left vacant by Democrat Chris Lyddy, who is not seeking a third term in office. DebraLee Hovey, the Republican 112th District incumbent, and her Democratic challenger Robert Dombroski have also committed to appear, along with the Second District incumbent Republican Dan Carter and his Democratic challenger Steven DeMoura.

The forum will be moderated by Newtown Bee Editor Curtiss Clark, and will give candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to voters and respond to questions about state and local issues. Doors will open at 7 pm for informal meet and greet opportunities in the town hall lobby, and the forum is set to run from 7:30 to 9 in the theater.

The event is open to the public and admission is free.

As in years past, The Bee is seeking questions to the candidates from residents. Anyone who would like to submit a question for consideration by the legislative candidates is asked to send it via e-mail to editor@thebee.com with the words “Candidates Forum Question” in the subject line.

Questions may also be dropped off in person, or mailed to the Bee’s offices at 5 Church Hill Road before 4 pm on Monday, October 15.

Absentee Ballots

In other election news, Town Clerk Debbie A. Aurelia advises Newtown voters that absentee ballots are available for the November 6 Presidential election. Any qualified registered voter may vote by absentee if unable to vote in person due to:

*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

The applications for absentee ballots are available at the town clerk’s office Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. 

Special hours for absentee voting will be held on Saturday, November 3, from 9 am to noon at the town clerk’s office at the Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street.

If you should have any questions regarding absentee ballots, contact the town clerk’s office at 203-270-4210.

Registering To Vote?

The registrar of voters office will be open for a special weekend voter registration session on Saturday October 20, from 10 am until 2 pm. The office is located in the Newtown Municipal Center at 3 Primrose Street. 

October 23 is the last day voter registrations can be postmarked and mailed to the registrars office, or delivered by anyone designated by the individual registering to vote.

October 24 through October 30 individuals must appear in person to register. Tuesday, October 30, is the final day to register to vote for the November 6 Presidential Election. 

On October 30 the registrar of voters office will be open until 8 pm. 

Normal office hours for the registrar of voters are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8 am until noon.  Individuals may also register to vote at the town clerk’s office. 

All absentee ballots are handled through the town clerk’s office, which is office is open 8 am until 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. 

Voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications may be found on the town website newtown-ct.gov.

Anyone with questions about voting may send an email to lereine.frampton@newtown-ct.gov or Karin.aurelia@newtown-ct.gov, or call 203-270-4250 

Questions about absentees can be directed by email to town.clerk@newtown-ct.gov or by phone to 203-270-4210.