Connecticut was one of the last states to adopt early voting.
In just a few years though, it’s caught on in a big way.
And it’s driven a major change in the way Westporters who don’t vote early will cast their ballots in future elections.
Beginning with the August 11 primary, and continuing November 3 through all elections afterward, all in-person voting will be done at Bedford Middle School.
In other words: the 9 previous polling locations will be consolidated into one.
Registrar of voters Deborah Greenberg explains: “Because of the fantastic turnout we are getting with early voting, as well as the passage of ‘no excuse’ absentee voting, we expect our active Westport community to do the majority of voting before primary/election day.
“Additionally, with the loss of our largest elementary school (Long Lots), and certain issues with other polling locations, we believe our voters will have a better experience at Bedford Middle School.
“There is substantial parking at Bedford, better lighting for early morning and late evening voters, and voting will be in very close proximity to the entry and exit of the school.
“Not so obvious benefits but certainly important are better security, and better storage, setup and end-of-day closing procedures for our election officials.”
Meanwhile, for the August 11 primary, registered Democrats and Republicans may vote by absentee ballot, or in person during early voting (still at Town Hall), or on Election Day.
Connecticut voters may now vote by absentee ballot for any reason. Click here for an application.
Early voting takes place in person at Town Hall on August 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and August 4 and 6 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
(NOTE: Connecticut has done away with its previous early voting procedure, in which ballots were placed in envelopes with voter information and affirmations. Now, all early ballots will be placed directly into tabulator machines — the same process used on Election Day.)
In-person voting on August 11 is 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Bedford Middle School.
Questions? Contact the registrar of voters office: 203-341-1115.
Scenes like this at the Westport Library, and schools throughout Westport, will be a thing of the past. From now on, the only in-person polling place on Election Day will be Bedford Middle School.
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An intriguing “America 250” map at the top of the Westport Library’s 2nd floor shows every country where library patrons come from.
And it’s interactive.
North and South America …
There are plenty of dots in western Europe. But many other nations are represented too — from Russia, China and India to Egypt, Iran, South Africa and Brazil.
But a number of other countries are unrepresented so far. Australia, Turkey, Peru, Nigeria … come on! We know Westporters whose families lived there.
Or who came from there themselves.
Stickers to participate are available in the Children’s library.
… and Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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Local historian Bob Weingarten launched his new book, “Westport, Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts – 1639-2025” Tuesday night at the Westport Book Shop.
His book identifies the oldest houses here, and locations of the town’s early settler families. Photographs document his exhaustive findings, gathered during 2 decades of exploring records in vaults and elsewhere.
For more information on Weingarten’s book, click here.
Bob Weingarten, with his new book. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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A few weeks ago, workers cleared brush and trees from the area at the Imperial Avenue parking lot, near the Riverwalk.
A new ramp — for people with mobility issues, strollers and more — is being built. Here was the scene yesterday:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Bulldozers took a lot of brush and trees away a few weeks ago and the riverwalk near the Imperial lot was blocked. We think it’s a ramp for strollers and wheelchairs so people parking in the Imperial lot have easier access. But I m not sure. Next time I walk I’ll talk to the workers.
Speaking of history: The Weston History & Culture Center is open every Thursday in July and August from 1 to 4 p.m., and on Sundays (July 26, August 2 and 30), also from 1 to 4.
Among the attractions:
“Weston at Work,” an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to experience the work that shaped the town’s past. Card wool, weave on a loom, use a rope and pulley to lift a hay bale, and explore farming tools and artifacts. It includes immigrant communities, people of African descent, women and children.
Guided tours of the Coley House, the only historic house museum in Connecticut interpreting life on the home front during World War II. Dial a rotary phone, type on a vintage typewriter, play with 1940s toys and games, build with Lincoln Logs, and more.
“Sarah Treadwell: Connecticut Mom, American Patriot” honors a local woman whose steadfast support of her family’s role in the Revolution reflects the often-overlooked contributions women made during America’s fight for independence.
“Local Patriots & Loyalists of the American Revolution,” examines individuals and families from the area who found themselves divided — supporting the patriots or remaining loyal to the British Crown.
Student Art: Works created by Weston Middle School 8th grade students in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Thirteen young artists were selected to display their oil paintings depicting Weston and Connecticut history during the 1700s and early 1800s. In a WMS 8th grade storybook project, students created picture books explaining the Declaration of Independence.
The Daniel Offutt Sculpture Garden features works by former Weston resident, philanthropist and artist Daniel E. Offutt III.
For more information, click here.
Inspecting a loom, at the Weston History & Culture Center.
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The Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat Swim Team tryouts this month, for 6- to 12-year-olds.
Ages 6-8: July 27 (3 and 3:45 p.m.); July 28 (4:30 and 5:15 p.m.).
Ages 9-10: July 27 (4:30 and 5:15 p.m., July 28 (3 and 3:45 p.m.).
Ages 11-12 (July 27 and 28, 6 p.m.).
Pre-registration is required; click here. Make-up tryouts will be offered in August.
Questions? Email kfinnegan@westporty.org. Swimmers 13 and over: email ejohnston@westporty.org.
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Susan Filan — a former prosecutor, trial lawyer and MSNBC senior legal analyst, who pivoted to a career as a speaker and coach, spoke about all those roles at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.
She noted that after 3 decades representing people in crises where freedom, family and reputation were on the line, she uses the same judgment, discretion and clarity in private advisory work.
Susan Filan, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Fifty years after the bicentennial — and just 2 weeks after our semiquincentennial — Staples High School’s Class of 1976 is celebrating their 50th reunion,
The July 16 through 19 festivities include golf at Longshore, a Staples tour, activities at the Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Museum for History & Culture, evenings at the Black Duck and Compo Beach, and a kayak trip along the Saugatuck River.
Click here for the website, with details, registration and more.
They’ll also raise funds for Homes with Hope’s food pantry wish list. To make a donation — on your own, or in honor of the Class of ’76 — click here.
Staples High School Class of 1976 — back in the day.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 1 and 7.
A 46-year-old Milford man was charged with larceny, after 2 coffee makers valued at $349.99 each were shoplifted from HomeGoods. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 19 citations
- Failure to obey state traffic commission regulation: 7
- Driving while texting: 4
- Failure to obey stop sign: 4
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
- Distracted driving: 2
- Improper passing: 1
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
- Failure to renew registration: 1
- Improper use of markers: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Slow down! Obey signs! Etc.!
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You know that phrase “busy as a bee”?
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — courtesy of Gabriela Hayes — proves it’s far more than idle words.
Bee balm and pollinator. (Photo/Gabriela Hayes)
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And finally … in honor of the Westport Library’s “America 250” exhibit of where its patrons came from (story above):
(“06880” is definitely “where Westport meets the world.” And no matter where in the world you come from, or live, we hope you’ll support this hyper-local yet global blog. Just click here. Thanks!)
