Registrars Issue Reminder On Voter List Protections

By John Voket

The Newtown Registrars of Voters office reminds local residents who qualify either due to certain employment or domestic situations, for their own security, that they can have their names struck from public voting records.

Registrars Karen Aurelia and LeReine Frampton told The Newtown Bee this week they are loathe to think certain residents are depriving themselves of the privilege to vote because they do not want their address revealed on public voting records.

“The state allows us to secure the names of certain law enforcement officials, judges, criminal lawyers, and citizens being protected from certain domestic matters,” Ms Frampton said. “There is a certain procedure to verify the voter, and then their names are struck from the public voter list.”

Ms Aurelia believes a number of Newtown residents over the years may have been reluctant to register because they feared having their households located. Ms Frampton said these voters should not be denied the right to vote because of fears of retribution.

She said a new state voter registry system electronically removes the address once the voter’s district is established by the registrars office. To further protect the identity of voters, in any instance the polling place is open from referenda to the Presidential elections, Ms Frampton also warned no pictures or video may be taken inside the polling place.

“We hope these measures will help make everyone feel more secure, and to bring even more people out to exercise their right vote,” Ms Frampton said.

In other voting news, the registrars will be available from 9 am to 2 pm October 2 to produce the preliminary registry list for the upcoming elections, and during the same hours October 9 to make revisions to that preliminary list. Residents can review the lists beginning the next respective day in the town clerk’s office, according to Ms Frampton.

Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia reminds qualified residents that October 23 is the last day they may qualify as write-in candidates for the November election. Write-in election matters are handled through the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s office.

Anyone considering write-in candidacies is asked to download the appropriate application from the Secretary of the State’s website, request one in writing, or direct questions to 860-509-6100.