This afternoon, Westport’s registrars of voters released this statement:
In response to the press release issued on July 8, and after carefully considering the feedback and concerns expressed by members of the Westport community, the registrars of voters and town clerk have decided to return to the original polling places.
We appreciate the public’s engagement throughout this process. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact the Registrars of Voters office at 203-341-1115 for additional information or clarification.
To be clear: The original polling places are the schools and Westport Library, used for decades according to Representative Town Meeting (RTM) districts. They’ll be open for the August 11 primary, and November 3 general election. The July 8 press release said that all polling places would be consolidated into one: Bedford Middle School.
Voters will once again return to familiar polling places, like the Westport Library …
… and PTAs will continue to run fundraising bake sales. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Beginning with the August 11 primary, and continuing November 3 and through all elections afterward, all in-person voting will be done at Bedford Middle School. For decades there were several local polling places, based on Representative Town Meeting (RTM) districts.
The League of Women Voters has long stood for one fundamental principle: Every eligible citizen should have the opportunity to vote freely, fairly, and without unnecessary barriers.
Our mission is not to advocate for one political party or a particular election outcome, but to promote informed participation, transparent government, and public confidence in our elections.
On Wednesday, July 8, Westport households received a postcard from the Registrars of Voters announcing a significant change to the way our community will vote.
Beginning with the August primary, all Westport voters will cast their ballots at a single polling location on Election Day — Bedford Middle School — replacing the 5 Election Day polling places that have served our town and its 9 voting districts for many years.
The registrars cited changes in Connecticut voting laws, including early voting and expanded absentee voting, as well as cost savings, as reasons for this new approach.
Many residents are understandably asking questions. A change affecting every voter in our town naturally generates interest and discussion, and presents an opportunity to better understand the considerations that informed this decision.
Last November, candidates gathered outside the Westport Library. It was one of 5 polling places in town. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Connecticut law places significant responsibility on registrars of voters to administer elections. With that responsibility comes an equally important opportunity to strengthen public confidence by helping residents understand how decisions affecting voting are made and the factors that were considered.
Election administration has changed considerably in recent years. Early voting and no-excuse absentee voting have expanded voting opportunities. Those changes may influence how communities think about Election Day polling places.
At the same time, moving from 5 polling places to 1 represents a significant change in how Westport conducts its elections, making it especially valuable for the community to understand the reasoning behind the decision. Public confidence is strengthened when important decisions are explained openly and discussed respectfully.
Poll worker at the Westport Library, 2024. (Photo/Dan Woog)
We hope the registrars will share more about the analysis and considerations that informed their decision, including:
How was it determined that 1 polling place is suitable for serving all nine voting districts and Westport voters?
What factors were considered regarding parking, traffic, voter wait times, accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities, and overall voter convenience?
Were alternative approaches evaluated, such as maintaining multiple polling places while also achieving greater efficiency or cost savings?
How will the impact of this change be evaluated after future elections?
Our democracy is strongest when citizens are informed, engaged, and confident that their voices matter — not only on Election Day, but in the decisions that shape how elections are conducted.
We invite the registrars of voters to share the analysis supporting this important decision, and welcome a thoughtful community dialogue about how Westport can continue to ensure that every eligible voter has meaningful, convenient and equitable access to the ballot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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!)
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)
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!)
This year. all races are local. Candidates are competing for seats on the Board of Education, Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Representative Town Meeting.
Each of those bodies has a direct, sometimes immediate impact on our lives, and our community.
To find out more on each candidate, click here for the Westport League of Women Voters’ guide; then enter your address.
You’ll get a ton of information on all the races, plus candidates’ biographies and statements.
The website links automatically to your correct RTM district (there are 9 in Westport; each district elects 4 RTM members).
Below is a map of RTM districts. You can also click here.
To check whether you are registered to vote, click here. You can use the same link to register, and to change your name, address and/or party affiliation.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Unsure of your polling place? Click here.
Of course, it takes a ton of people to ensure that Election Day runs smoothly. Poll workers are key.
Hours for a whole day are 5:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; the full-day pay is $265.
Half-day shifts are either 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 12:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; the half-day shift is $145.
Both full and half-day rates include 1 hour of mandatory election training (required by statute), and a food stipend. The town provides water, coffee and light snacks throughout the day.
All poll workers must be valid, registered Connecticut voters (though not necessarily in Westport).
Westport voters and poll workers, in 2017.
Officials are also looking for “strong” people to help with set-up. It is done in teams, and includes lifting equipment (nothing more than 35 pounds).
Hauling equipment takes place next Monday and/or Tuesday (October 30 or 31), depending on workers’ availability.
Set-up also takes place Monday, November 6.
Hours for set-up are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pay is $18 per hour.
To apply to help with set-up, or for any questions about voting and Election day, contact the registrars of voters: (Democratic) Deborah Greenberg, dgreenberg@westportct.gov, 203-341-1115; (Republican) Maria Signore, msignore@westportct.gov, 203-341-1115.
I vote for everyone who helped make yesterday’s elections run smoothly.
Town officials in the registrars’ and town clerk’s offices; volunteers at the polling places; League of Women Voters members who handed out non-partisan information; the behind-the-scenes custodial, maintenance and administrative folks wherever votes were cast; Staples High School students who greeted voters and passed out,= “I Voted” stickers; police officers who were ready in case there were any issues … anyone who had a hand in making sure democracy worked yesterday: thank you.
No matter the outcome, you won.
A soothingly familiar scene, year after year in Westport.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com!)
(“06880” introduces Unsung Heroes ever Wednesday. please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
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.
When you and I go to the polls next Tuesday*, we’ll zip in and out of there in a few minutes.
It’s a wonderful ritual: We exercise a right countless Americans have fought and died for. We buy coffee and cookies to support the PTA. Then we’re gone, to take care of our usual business.
But Election Day doesn’t just happen.
It works like clockwork** only because of the hard work of dozens of men and women.
We see some of them: the poll workers — Democrats and Republicans — who spend 14 hours sitting at a table, methodically checking (and double-checking) every voter who comes in.
A soothingly familiar scene, year after year in Westport.
They solve problems. They thank us for voting. And they do it thoroughly, professionally, and with great good humor.
Their own spouse might come in. The routine does not vary. “ID, please,” they say.
They’re aided by ballot watchers. It’s mind numbing. They stare intently as voter after voter walks up, pushes a ballot into the machine, and leaves.
Some folks need help. Others need reassurance that their vote will be counted. Hour after after, the ballot watchers are there.
Of course, the backbone of the operation is the Registrar of Voters office. There’s a ton of work that goes on behind the scenes. Republicans and Democrats work side by side to make it happen.
Registrars of both parties work together to enroll new voters.
So next Tuesday, when you vote***, take an extra second or two to thank all the often-anonymous, always-conscientious, vitally important people who make it happen.
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