Nov. 7 Municipal Election
The municipal ballot for November will contain openings for several boards and offices, and more than 20 candidates are expected to run for the 13 races and 26 open seats, including board of selectman and board of education. In mid-July, Democrats and Republicans will hold town caucuses for determining party nominations for the Nov. 7 ballot. If either party has a contested nomination for any of the positions at its caucus, the candidate(s) not chosen have the option to petition for a primary. Candidates who gather enough eligible signatures by 4 p.m. on Aug. 9 can primary for their party’s nomination on Sept. 12.
The Democrats’ caucus is scheduled for Thursday, July 20 at the Holcomb Farm Workshop. For more information visit granbydems.org or email to granbydemocrats@gmail.com
The Republicans will hold a caucus on Friday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Police Community Room. For more information visit granbyrtc.com/ or email to fishnthestates@gmail.com
Political party affiliation is often confusing to new voters. In Connecticut, only members of a major political party can participate in a party’s caucus or primary. There is no waiting period to join a party if you are unaffiliated, or to become unaffiliated if you are a member of a party. However, there is a three-month waiting period if you choose to switch political parties. This is tracked by the state’s computerized voter registration system. Membership in a political party is free and carries no obligations. All voters can vote for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation, during elections. The next local primary, if needed, will be held on Sept. 12; June 12 was the deadline to switch political parties to participate. You can be a member of any political party that exists, but seven parties are currently tracked in Granby. Totals as of June 14: 2,417 Democrats, 5 Greens, 17 Libertarians, 119 Independents, 2,405 Republicans, 2 Working Families, 0 Griebel Frank for CT, and 3,193 Unaffiliated.
Absentee ballots are handled through the town clerk’s office. For primaries and the general November election, send in an application for an absentee ballot at least one month in advance. Complete and mail it back immediately. Applications are being collected now by the town clerk for those who know they will be away from home on Nov. 7. The form is available at town hall or on the web at sots.ct.gov
Pollworkers are needed
With the passage of early voting, help with computer data entry is needed to ensure one voter, one vote. Registrars will hold a meeting at 2 p.m. on July 26 at town hall for poll workers, new and old, to answer questions about the new process coming for 2024 and to sign up workers for the election.
The registrar’s office is compiling an email list of poll workers. Poll workers can be volunteers or paid. Volunteer poll workers must be at least 16 years old and can choose to volunteer for a few hours to fit their schedule. To be added to the list please email the registrars at: lwolfe@granby-ct.gov and pwillis@granby-ct.gov
Moderator training and poll worker training will be held in August if a municipal primary is held in September and again in October for the November election. Poll worker training is required to serve. For more information or to apply, please contact the Registrars.
Voter Registration
Voter registration is a public record. It’s easy to confirm your voter registration 24/7. From the Town of Granby website use the link to the secretary of the state’s website’s online voter registration look-up tool: dir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx
The link to online voter registration, available 24/7, enables you to enroll or to make name, party or address changes to an existing voter registration at voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do
Registrars’ office hours are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paper voter registration forms are also available at town hall, libraries, DMV offices and online at the secretary of state’s website: sots.ct.gov
Registrar’s Calendar
July 20 and 21: Democrat and Republican town committees’ caucuses, details above. Only party members with voting privilege are eligible to vote in these caucuses.
July 26: deadline for the Town Committee to file the Certificate of Endorsement with the town clerk.
July 26 at 2 p.m.: poll worker meeting to answer questions, recruit new workers and sign up for upcoming elections.
Aug. 9 Primary petitions due in Registrars’ office
Sept. 12, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.: local primary if needed.
Questions? Contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis, at 860-844-5322 or registrarofvoters@granby-ct.gov