We’ve all seen them…the yard signs. There are plenty to see around town, from Troy Garguilo’s blue, gold, and white sign to incumbent Kaitlyn Shake’s blue, red, and white sign. Both are running for a seat in the 120th district with hopes to be named our Representative of Stratford in Hartford. State Senator Jason Perillo is running for re-election and mailers have arrived in my mailbox recently, as have Carolann Reid’s, the Democratic candidate for State Senate, who is up against Perillo this November. You can learn more about each candidate through the websites of our local political parties: the Democratic candidates, Republican candidates, State, U.S. Congress, and for Governor.
One thing I’ve learned since I first had the opportunity to vote is that before casting one’s vote, it’s important to understand what the candidates stand for, who they are, and discern whether who they are aligns with who you are. Do you have the same or similar vision about things that truly matter to you?
Every election season is an opportunity to vote. For white women, that opportunity was granted in 1920 for the first time. Black people (former slaves) theoretically were able to legally vote in 1870, although history tells us that Black men and women were not allowed to vote and have their vote count until 1965.
Today, in 2026, every vote matters, and every person who can, should get out and vote. It was a hard-won right for many, and today in some parts of the United States, the fight continues for the right to vote.
Early voting begins on October 19th and ends on November 1st. Learn more here. If you are unsure if you’re registered to vote, you can check with the Secretary of the State of Connecticut’s website. Between 1997 and 2023, convicted felons who had been released from prison were not allowed to vote in elections in states across the U.S. Since 2023, over 2 million people who were convicted felons and released from prison regained the right to vote. If you or someone you know is a convicted felon, and would like to vote, you can learn more about what you need to do to vote this election season here. Learn more about voting rights, registration, and more on the Secretary of State’s website.
