Tag Archives: Election Day

Did you vote yesterday?

Most Westporters did.

But not all.

It could have been tempting to pass up the election in Connecticut.

No matter who you supported, your vote for president did not matter.

In the Constitution State, the result was a foregone conclusion.

But there were other races — for US Senate and Congress, and (decided by fewer votes) State Senate and State Representative. Arguably, decisions made by those bodies have a greater impact on our lives than who lives in the White House

Still, that is not the main reason to vote.

It’s this: For over 2 centuries, Americans have fought to ensure that you could cast a ballot yesterday.

Far too many of them died for that cause.

Ours has always been an imperfect nation.

It’s taken us nearly 250 years to get to where much more of the population than just male (virtually all white) property owners could decide the future of this country.

There are still places in America where voting is difficult.

Westport — all of Connecticut, in fact — is not one of them.

So if you voted yesterday, you are not an Unsung Hero — at least, not with capital letters.

But you are a hero nonetheless. You are doing your part to carry on a tradition that means more than our Founding Fathers could ever have dreamed of.

Democracy can be doggone tiring. But it’s better than any other system. (Photo/Jo Shields)

Longtime “06880” reader Ellin Spadone writes:

I am a senior resident of Westport, recovering from a fractured leg and confined to a wheelchair. I was concerned about casting my vote, since the application for an absentee ballot came late.

I called the Town Clerk. He informed me that I could find the help I needed.

After seeing my license, 2 volunteers at Town Hall brought my ballot to the car, and assisted me in filling it out.

I am so appreciative of this accommodation, and grateful to live in a town where seniors are treated with such civility and sensitivity.

Difficult-to-navigate steps — but easy voting.

As we all know, this election is crucial. I am indebted to the people who helped me fulfill my responsibility.

Early voting runs through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. Tomorrow (Thursday, October 31), the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map.

“06880” reader Andrew Small adds:

Voting last Saturday was such an easy experience!

The highlight of our trip was being able to bring our 4-year-old daughter to the polls.

She had been a little uneasy about going. She knew she cannot vote until she turns 18, but she really wanted the “I VOTED” sticker.

A poll worker pulled her aside, and asked her to vote in the “Princess Poll.” Our daughter proudly voted for Elsa, and was thrilled to wear her “I VOTED” sticker the rest of the weekend.

Thank you so much to all the poll workers for working on behalf of our democracy last weekend, and ahead these next 6 days.

(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

Election Day is near.

For local candidates, it’s the end of a long slog. They’ve created and mailed campaign literature, knocked on doors, and put up (and replaced) road signs.

For voters, it’s a quick but important chore. We head to oour polling place, fill in some circles, buy baked goods to support the PTA, and leave.

For poll workers though, it’s a work day.

The men and women who check voters in (and cross check their names), hand out and collect ballots, and make sure nothing improper happens, are important, if barely noticed, parts of the democratic process.

For many workers, sure, it’s a chance to see friends and meet strangers. Yes, they get paid. (Though probably not enough.)

Still, it’s tedious and repetitive.

So when you vote on November 5, thank every poll worker you see.

They get every vote for Unsung Heroes.

A soothingly familiar scene, year after year in Westport.