Ask the Registrar-Stratford, CT
Your place for answers about voting and local elections in Stratford
By Registrar Of Voters James Simon (D)
December 2024
Q: Did Kamala Harris and the Democrats do worse in Stratford than they did statewide?
A: Actually, they received a higher percentage of votes here than statewide. The Democrats’ Biden-Walz ticket received 59% of the presidential vote in Stratford, compared to 56% statewide. Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Chris Murphy received 63% of the vote here, vs 59% statewide, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro received 61% here vs. 59% statewide.
Q: The Republicans seemed to be picking up support before the 2024 election. Did the number of people in each party change a lot going into Stratford’s November 5 election?
A: No. Among active voters, the percentage of voters registered as Democrats in Stratford totaled 36.7% in November 2024, down slightly from 37.4% in January 2024. The percentage of voters registered as Republicans ticked slightly upward, from 18.2% in January 2024 to 18.4% by Election Day. Some 43.0% of registered voters were Unaffiliated in January 2024, rising to 43.6% by November. 5.
So, on Election Day, there were still about twice as many registered Democrats (13,271) in Stratford as Republicans (6,682). However, there are more Unaffiliated voters (15,765) than are in either party.
Q: You have said that turnout was 75% in the Presidential Election. Will it be that high for the next couple of elections?
A: The historic trends are clear, and rarely change. Presidential elections draw 73%-75% of registered voters in Stratford; this year it was it was 75.4%.
We expect the Mayoral election in 2025 to attract about 33%-35% of registered voters, based on past election. The 2026 election with the Governor on the ballot should attract about 50% of voters, while the 2027 election –with the Town Council and Board of Education topping the ballot – will traditionally attract about 28% of voters.
Q. What other elections will be held in Stratford before the next Presidential Election in 2028?
A: Most Connecticut towns have an election every fall. In Fall 2025, elections for Mayor, Town Council, and Board of Education top the Stratford ballot. In 2026, the Governor’s race will be the main event. In 2027 you can vote on candidates for such positions as the Town Council and Board of Education. And in 2028, it will be time for another presidential election.
Q: Do we know who the candidates for Stratford Mayor will be in the 2025 election?
A: Republican incumbent Laura Hoydick has not yet publicly said whether she will seek a third consecutive four-year term. (There is no term limit on the Mayoral position in Stratford.)
There has been no public discussion of potential Democratic candidates.
The major parties traditionally nominate their mayoral candidate in July. If any party members want to challenge the nomination, they can try to gather enough voter signatures to force a primary election in September.
ELECTION QUESTIONS?
Send them to Stratford Registrar James Simon
This is not an official publication of the Town of Stratford. (Vol. 4, No. 12; December 2024)
James Simon
Registrar of Voters (D)
Town of Stratford
203 385 4049
- To register to vote;Â change your name, address and/or party affiliation; or enroll in a political party:Â https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVRÂ Â Â Â
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- Our ROV website for additional information:   http://www.townofstratford.com/content/39832/39846/39935/default.aspx Â
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