By Registrar Of Voters James Simon (D).
Q: How did Early Voting turn out in Stratford?
A: In Stratford and across Connecticut, Early Voting certainly was popular. Some 43.0 percent of the 27,259 ballots case in Stratford were from Early Voting. That compares to 48.5% who voted November 5th at the town’s 10 voting locations, 5.7 percent cast an Absentee Ballot, and a final 2.7 percent voted through Same Day Registration.
We asked 80+ people during each of the two weeks of EV how they learned about EV. The first week, the most common answers were the Mayor’s weekly e-mailed event list, other Internet publicity, and the signs that the Registrars posted across town. The second week, almost every person questioned said they were told about it by family or friends, suggesting the word of mouth was widespread and positive.
Q. Did Early Voting increase the number of people who voted in Stratford?
A: In presidential elections, Stratford’s turnout is usually 73 to 75 percent of all registered voters. This year, turnout was 75.4%, and it’s unclear whether the small increase was from the addition of EV or strong interest in the presidential race.
Previous studies in other states concluded that EV does not dramatically increase turnout; that seemed to be the case in Stratford, too.
Q. How did the Baldwin Center fare as the Early Voting location?
A: The location we picked for EV in Stratford also probably contributed to its success.
We received unanimously high marks from people who praised the Baldwin Center for being centrally located and for having a large parking lot and an ideal side room for the actual voting and registration. Warm and sunny weather for most of the 14 days didn’t hurt, either.
Q: I still don’t understand that ballot question they wanted us to vote on. Did it pass?
A: The question was approved by a 55%-45% margin in Stratford, and it also won approval statewide. It will allow all voters to mail in an absentee ballot if they so desire; currently, you need a specific reason to use an AB in Connecticut such as being ill, taking care of an ill person, or being out of town on Election Day. We expect the change to take effect in the November 2026 election
Q. Is this it for elections for a while? I’m worn out.
A: Stratford, and all of Connecticut, has a major election each and every fall. So in Fall 2025 you can look forward to voting for Mayor, Town Council, Board of Education and land use board positions.
In 2026, the Governor’s race will top the ticket. In 2027 you can vote on candidates for the Town Council and Board of Education. And in 2028, it will be time for another presidential election.
For all of these, you can again count on 14 days of Early Voting; the number of days and specific hours each day are stipulated by the Legislature.
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ELECTION QUESTIONS? SEND THEM TO STRATFORD REGISTRAR JAMES SIMON;
This is not an official publication of the Town of Stratford. (Vol. 4, No. 11; November 2024)
James Simon
Registrar of Voters (D)
Town of Stratford
2725 Main St.
Stratford CT 06615
- To change your name, address and/or party affiliation; or enroll in a political party: https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR
- To check on your registration or voting location: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx
- Our ROV website for additional information: http://www.townofstratford.com/content/39832/39846/39935/default.aspx
- Apply for an absentee ballot: Connecticut Online Absentee Ballot Request Portal
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