Tag Archives: Election Day

Roundup: Election Day, 1st Amendment, Halloween Rager …

Posted on November 3, 2026 | Leave a comment

it’s election day! have you voted yet?

After 2 weeks of early voting, the traditional Election Day is here.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. Click here to find your polling place.

Not sure what voting district you’re in? Click here.

Ready for voters, at Greens Farms Elementary School. (Photo/John Karrel)

 

THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND YOU

Speaking of democracy: The First Amendment touches everyone’s lives, in more ways than we may realize.

It’s long been a bedrock of our democracy. But how secure is it?

On November 17 (6:30 p.m.), the Westport Library and CT Mirror — winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting — present a panel exploring the issue.

Connecticut Superior Court Judge Daniel Klau; Emily Bazelon, staff writer at The New York Times, and Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition will discuss challenges faced by local journalists, First Amendment issues on college campusesthe impact of AI and more.

The event is free. For more information, click here.

“westport uncorked”: Now more magical than ever

The other day, Jason Bird astonished 2 sold-out audiences at the Delamar Westport with some gobsmacking magic and mental feats. I was there, and I still can’t believe what I saw.

If you missed it — or were there, and want to see more — you’ll get a chance Thursday.

Jason will join the Sunrise Rotary Club’s 35th annual “Westport Uncorked” (November 5, 6 p.m., the Inn at Longshore).

The evening always features special wine and great food. This year, Jason will ensure it’s even more “magical.”

Proceeds are donated to charities and local organizations. For tickets and more information, click here. 

HALLOWEEN RAGER

“All available” Westport police officers responded to a teenage Halloween party — and needed help from Weston, Norwalk and Wilton too.

According to WTNH-TV, “upwards of 500” teenagers were at a Heron Lake Lane party.

A Westport woman was cited for allowing minors to possess alcohol, while the party’s organizers were cited for alcohol violations. Click here for the full WTNH story.

 

 

This is not a scene from the Westport Halloween party.

special westport art on sale for holidays

As the holidays come into view: Here is perhaps the coolest, most “Westport” gift of the year.

Westport River Gallery has commissioned a special digital work: “Westport USA.”

Several artists have collaborated on a piece that blends iconic locations of yesteryear, with some of our town’s most recognizable names: Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward, Anne Hathaway, Patty Hearst, Martha Stewart, Rodney Dangerfield, Neil Sedaka, Michael Bolton, Norman Rockwell, Liz Taylor (with her home), Don Imus, Christopher Lloyd, Phil Donahue & Marlo Thomas.

The price is just $49, unframed. Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934 to order.

STAPLES BOYS SOCCER SQUAD INSPIRES BRIDGEPORTERS

The Staples boys soccer team are winners — on and off the field.

On Friday — just hours before their FCIAC semifinal match against Greenwich — the Wreckers traveled to Bridgeport.

They spent quality time with boys and girls in the GZS (Generation Z Soccer) Academy. They high schoolers helped with training, shared a meal, and donated soccer gear — and had just as much fun as the youngsters.

Lucas Alarcon has volunteered with GZS for several years. He and his family helped organize the event.

Perhaps it inspired him. The next day he scored a rare “Olimpico” — a corner kick that goes directly into the goal — that was the game-winner. Tomorrow (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Fairfield Ludlowe High), he and his teammates play for the FCIAC (league) championship.

Staples soccer players, with GZS youngsters. 

POLICE PROMOTE 2

A pair of Westport Police Department officers will be promoted tomorrow (Wednesday, 12 noon). The public is invited to the ceremony, in the classroom at Jesup Road headquarters.

David Scinto will become a sergeant. He joined the WPD in 2013. He has served in leadership roles with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, With Westport’s K-9 unit, he earned the Daniel Wasson Memorial Award for his apprehension of a robbery suspect. He also received a Meritorious Service Award from the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut for rescuing a woman from the icy Saugatuck River.

In 2025, Sergeant Scinto established the WPD’s Street Crimes Unit, contributing to significant reductions in motor vehicle thefts.

Samuel Sabin will also be promoted to sergeant. He first joined the Westport Police Department in 2001. After moving to the private sector, he rejoined it in 2012. Scinto has been honored for apprehending a vehicle burglar while off-duty. He has also been recognized for his technical proficiency in the use of Stop Stick tire deflation devices, including one that resulted in 2 arrests after the robbery of an armored car driver

In 2018 he was recognized with a Meritorious Service Award by the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut for his rescue of an individual from a fully involved structure fire.

Sgts. David Scinto (left) and Samuel Sabin.

COLEYTOWN COMPANY’S “PURE IMAGINATION”

Katie Bloom’s first show as director of Coleytown Company is a “Pure Imagination.”

The 14 numbers in the musical revue include selections from “Willy Wonka,” “Frozen,” “Shrek” and more.

Show dates are this Thursday and Friday (November 5, 6 p.m. and 6 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

Coleytown Company gets ready for the curtain to rise.

GRAMMY WINNER TOOTS HIS HORN AT VFW

A Grammy Award-winning trombonist is coming to VFW Post 399.

Steve Davis brings his hard bop to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (November 5, shows at 7 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:15).

He’s joined by pianist Maki Nientao, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, in a brassy tribute to J.J. Johnson, Melba Liston, Slide Hampton,and Curtis Fuller. Davis will also perform his own compositions.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & sONG OF THE DAY

It doesn’t get more autumnal than this.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo shows the planter in front of Colonial Druggists in Westport.

Similar scenes can be found all over town.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of Jason Bird’s upcoming appearance in Westport (item above):

(There’s another magical moment ahead: when you click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to this hyper-local blog. There’s no mystery to it — just profound thanks, from “06880”!)

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Registrars Reverse Decision; Traditional Polling Places Return

Posted on July 11, 2026 | 19 comments

The public has spoken.

And it didn’t even take a vote.

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)

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LWV: “Thoughtful Community Dialogue” Sought For Election Day Polling Place Change

Posted on July 10, 2026 | 10 comments

Earlier this week, Westport’s registrars of voters announced a major shift in the way residents cast ballots.

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 of Westport is surprised by the change. President Joan Hogan Gillman says:

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.

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Roundup: Many Ways To Vote — But Big Polling Place Changes …

Posted on July 9, 2026 | 1 comment

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!)

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Unsung Heroes #358

Posted on November 6, 2024 | 25 comments

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)

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VOTE!

Posted on November 5, 2024 | 10 comments

As of yesterday, approximately 50% of eligible Westport voters had cast early or absentee ballots.

That means the rest of the town votes today.

Come on … let’s get to 100%!

The polls are open now (Tuesday, November 5) through 8 p.m. Don’t know where to vote? Click here to view a district map.

6:15 a.m. A timeless scene, at the Westport Library. The names change every election … but this cherished American tradition never does.

Hard-working election officials make the process easy.

One reward for voting. Another: Knowing you exercised your right as an American citizen, which generations have fought and died for. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Unsung Heroes #357

Posted on October 30, 2024 | 9 comments

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!)

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Vote!

Posted on October 27, 2023 | 15 comments

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.

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.

Need an absentee ballot? 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.

 

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Unsung Heroes #262

Posted on November 9, 2022 | 2 comments

This week’s Unsung Heroes are easy to pick.

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.)

 

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Unsung Heroes #120

Posted on October 23, 2019 | 3 comments

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.

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