Your Place For Answers About Voting And Local Elections
Q1: I like the new Early Voting system, but I hate being forced to put my ballot into an envelope, seal it, and write my name on the outer envelope. Why do you make us do that?
A: Because the Legislature mandates it. Registrars have repeatedly lobbied the Legislature to change the requirement and, instead, have voters simply submit their ballot to the tabular that reads it and drops it into the black storage box. There was informal agreement to make such a change, but the legislation was not passed before the formal 2025 legislative session ended.
There is still hope Hartford will approve the change so it could be implemented for the 2025 general election.
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Q2: When is the next election in Stratford?
A: The next general election is Nov. 4, 2025, and focuses on municipal positions: Mayor, Town Council, Board of Education, land use boards like Zoning, and Constable. Each major party will endorse a slate of candidates in late July; there also could be a town wide Democratic or Republican primary — just for party members – on Sept. 9 if a potential candidate is unhappy with the choices and collects enough petition signatures to force a primary.
There are two announced Democratic candidates for mayor – Dr. David Chess and Zoning Board member Linda Manos – who are expected to try to qualify for a town wide primary if they do not get their party’s endorsement. (There is only one declared Republican candidate, incumbent Mayor Laura Hoydick.)
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Q3: Does Artificial Intelligence affect Stratford elections?
A: We don’t know for sure. Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas told Registrars on June 27 that Artificial Intelligence has gotten cheaper, easier to manipulate, and now can simulate reasoning instead of just repeating information. Her office has increased online seminars on cybersecurity for Registrars, and she also urged town officials to post accurate election information in multiple places so voters can act on it without fear of being misled.
For accurate information on Stratford elections, you can visit the Town Clerk’s homepage (Town Clerk | Town of Stratford); the ROV home page (Registrar of Voters | Town of Stratford ); this Ask The Registrar column on FB; or contact our office via Registrars@Townofstratford.com; 203 385 4048; or visit us at Room 119, Town Hall
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Q4: Compared to other towns, Stratford seems to have less of a problem in recruiting people to work as paid poll workers on Election Day. How do you people do it?
A: Stratford is blessed with dozens of poll workers who are hard-working problem solvers, check any partisanship at the door, and want to work most elections. Each year, they are complemented by a rotating cast of up to 25 high school age students who want to learn more about elections; they are able to work the very long 14+ hour day, and they appreciate the $290 stipend for entry level jobs.
We always add new people to our election workforce, especially with the advent of 14 days of Early Voting before the November election. Interested? Contact us at Registrars@townofstratford.com
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Q5: If another town has a good idea on running elections, how do you find out?
A: The Registrars Of Voters Association of Connecticut holds two statewide conferences each year where election officials trade best practices. The two Stratford Registrars both have active roles in running the conferences, presenting information, updating the ROVAC Handbook, and even auditing the organization.
A new group called the U.S. Alliance for Education Excellence in June awarded Stratford a $3,000 grant so the town’s two Registrars could take part in a national effort over the next 18 months to improve election administration and security. Democratic Registrar James Simon will work with colleagues across the country to generate ideas on better Communicating with Voters, while Republican Registrar Louis DeCilio will focus on Ballot Tabulation and Audits.
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MORE QUESTIONS? SEND THEM TO STRATFORD REGISTRAR JAMES SIMON; jsimon@townofstratford.com. This is not an official publication of the Town of Stratford. (Vol. 5, No. 6; June 2025)
James Simon
Registrar of Voters (D)
Town of Stratford, 2725 Main St.
Stratford CT 06615
203 385 4049; jsimon@townofstratford.com
- To register to vote; change your name, address and/or party affiliation; or enroll in a political party.
- To check on your registration or voting location and for additional information.
- Apply for an absentee ballot: Connecticut Online Absentee Ballot Request Portal
- Want more information on Stratford elections? Search for the FB page Ask the Registrar – Stratford, and “Like” it
