I ran WAY back in 1993 and again in 1995 winning both times. In each case campaigns on both sides focused on what I call bread and butter issues. There was NO reference to or influence of national politics. How times have changed? Our local news outlet The Bristol Edition sent out candidate questionnaires, most of the incumbent MAGA members declined to reply! Sadly I think they will win here today in a rout which is shameful! To all those running, working the polls I say thank you. You are keeping democracy alive as it teeters on the edge of the cliff.
Local elections are so important, and I wish people would realize that. They will impact you in a more immediate fashion as opposed to the nationals. I truly loathe the fact that people are PROUD that they don't vote. As for working the polls, I tried through the Secretary of the State website, with no success to volunteer. The "selections" for volunteering are rather broad. Like they ask if you will be willing to work in other areas of the state, but did not narrow it down by, let's say, county. Sure, i'll go elsewhere, but I don't want to end up in being an hour away from home. P.S. Am happy to say that in the 45 or so years that I've been able to vote, I have not missed a vote. My father would haunt me from the grave if I did.
I also expressed interest via the Sec of State website and never got a reply. But I did get a response by applying directly to my local Registrar of Voters.
Thank you Sharon. I want to volunteer at the polls. But I didn’t know it was possible to apply to my local Registrar of Voters. I’m following that route!
I didn't know that either. I was interested in volunteering in other towns where they may have issues finding volunteers, but like I said, I didn't want to get sent to the other end of the state.
Our two mayoral candidates have lawn signs that don't even hint as to their party affiliation, but someone made a red sign with white lettering saying "Make Hamden Great Again," with the name of the R candidate. It was displayed for only a few days in front of a small shopping center and then disappeared. I can't decide if it was an actual supporter or someone trying to paint the candidate with the MAGA smear. It's sad that it's come to this.
Just a few years ago, it would have been legitimate to say that national issues don't affect local politics, which is all about roads, police, fire, schools. But SCOTUS is dismantling civil rights at the national level, and Congressional Rs are refusing to do their jobs, so a lot of issues are now devolving back to state and local government. Myself, I wouldn't vote for an R for dogcatcher, but I know people who vote R locally because the Rs "are more fiscally responsible." I don't know how anyone over the age of 30 can still say that with a straight face.
Weirdly, my town pays poll workers. It was 15 hours and it won't be much, but it is not technically volunteering. The first year I did it, I was surprised when they had me fill out a W2.
I thanked one of the ladies at our polling place, and she looked surprised and thrilled that her efforts were appreciated and acknowledged. It's easy to take it for granted that people will be there so we all can vote. So, thanks!
I have been taking a friendly route with hopefully a strong message. I am wearing my VOTE necklace on shamelessly a la Michelle Obama. With my brightest smile I have said to everyone I encountered , “this next week it’s voting Tuesday!” I so hope they remember to VOTE.
I ran WAY back in 1993 and again in 1995 winning both times. In each case campaigns on both sides focused on what I call bread and butter issues. There was NO reference to or influence of national politics. How times have changed? Our local news outlet The Bristol Edition sent out candidate questionnaires, most of the incumbent MAGA members declined to reply! Sadly I think they will win here today in a rout which is shameful! To all those running, working the polls I say thank you. You are keeping democracy alive as it teeters on the edge of the cliff.
Local elections are so important, and I wish people would realize that. They will impact you in a more immediate fashion as opposed to the nationals. I truly loathe the fact that people are PROUD that they don't vote. As for working the polls, I tried through the Secretary of the State website, with no success to volunteer. The "selections" for volunteering are rather broad. Like they ask if you will be willing to work in other areas of the state, but did not narrow it down by, let's say, county. Sure, i'll go elsewhere, but I don't want to end up in being an hour away from home. P.S. Am happy to say that in the 45 or so years that I've been able to vote, I have not missed a vote. My father would haunt me from the grave if I did.
I also expressed interest via the Sec of State website and never got a reply. But I did get a response by applying directly to my local Registrar of Voters.
Thank you Sharon. I want to volunteer at the polls. But I didn’t know it was possible to apply to my local Registrar of Voters. I’m following that route!
I didn't know that either. I was interested in volunteering in other towns where they may have issues finding volunteers, but like I said, I didn't want to get sent to the other end of the state.
I’m voting for the guy that was my daughters pediatrician , old Doc Calnen for the board of education
https://patch.com/connecticut/enfield/enfield-candidate-profile-dr-gerald-calnen-board-education
Our two mayoral candidates have lawn signs that don't even hint as to their party affiliation, but someone made a red sign with white lettering saying "Make Hamden Great Again," with the name of the R candidate. It was displayed for only a few days in front of a small shopping center and then disappeared. I can't decide if it was an actual supporter or someone trying to paint the candidate with the MAGA smear. It's sad that it's come to this.
Just a few years ago, it would have been legitimate to say that national issues don't affect local politics, which is all about roads, police, fire, schools. But SCOTUS is dismantling civil rights at the national level, and Congressional Rs are refusing to do their jobs, so a lot of issues are now devolving back to state and local government. Myself, I wouldn't vote for an R for dogcatcher, but I know people who vote R locally because the Rs "are more fiscally responsible." I don't know how anyone over the age of 30 can still say that with a straight face.
Thanks for volunteering!
Weirdly, my town pays poll workers. It was 15 hours and it won't be much, but it is not technically volunteering. The first year I did it, I was surprised when they had me fill out a W2.
Long day! Thanks for doing it, paid or not.
I thanked one of the ladies at our polling place, and she looked surprised and thrilled that her efforts were appreciated and acknowledged. It's easy to take it for granted that people will be there so we all can vote. So, thanks!
Voted! Thanks for working at the polls. ❤️
I have been taking a friendly route with hopefully a strong message. I am wearing my VOTE necklace on shamelessly a la Michelle Obama. With my brightest smile I have said to everyone I encountered , “this next week it’s voting Tuesday!” I so hope they remember to VOTE.
Go, you!
I love the opening maxim. In case you're curious, as I was, it seems to originate with Debbie B. Moon.