Vote On Tsunami Tuesday

Four weeks from today, Aug. 14, Connecticut primary voters will head to the polls to select the respective party nominees for a variety of offices for the November general election. The featured matchups include Republicans Linda McMahon and Chris Shays and Democrats Chris Murphy and Susan Bysiewicz for U.S. Senate. The most-watched state legislative race is the Democratic primary for State Senate between incumbent Ed Gomes, party-endorsed Ernie Newton and State Rep. Andres Ayala. Another to watch in Bridgeport is the Democratic primary in Connecticut’s 128th State House District between party-endorsed Christina Ayala and Angel Reyes to replace Andres Ayala. From Secretary of the State Denise Merrill:

Merrill: At Least 24 State and Federal Primaries in Connecticut on August 14th Ballot

Secretary of the State Encourages Unaffiliated Voters to Enroll With Major Party in Order to Cast 2012 Statewide Primary Ballots

Hartford: Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today announced that registered Democrats and Republicans in Connecticut will be able to vote on August 14, 2012 in at least 24 primaries for federal and state elections. Primaries will be held for Republican and Democratic voters for the offices of United States Senator, Congress, General Assembly, Registrar of Voters and Probate Judge. Statewide, Republicans in Connecticut are eligible to cast ballots in a total of at least five primaries, depending on their geographic location. Democratic voters statewide can vote in a total of at least 19 primaries, depending on their community of residence. A list of primaries on the ballot for August 14, 2012 can be found below.

“It is important that voters are fully aware of the primaries taking place on August 14th,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief elections official. “Some of the most closely watched Congressional races in the country are being contested in Connecticut. I encourage registered Democrats and Republicans to find out about the candidates and make their voices heard on primary day by casting ballots. Critical issues such as our economy and our state budget are at stake and will be impacted by the decisions made by those we choose to represent us in Hartford and Washington, DC. The more than 800,000 unaffiliated voters in Connecticut should also know they can take part in choosing Democratic or Republican candidates by enrolling with either party by August 13th at noon.”

Secretary Merrill is reminding Connecticut citizens of the upcoming deadline to register to vote in the August 14 primary. To register to vote by mail, voter registration cards must be received by local Registrars of Voters by August 9th. Voting age citizens and 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the general election can also register in-person at town offices until Monday, August 13th at 12:00 p.m. Unaffiliated voters face those same deadlines if they wish to enroll with a party in order to vote in the primaries. Polls will be open for registered Democrats and Republicans on Primary Day August 14, 2012 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters can visit www.sots.ct.gov to learn how to register to vote, check their registration status, find their polling location, download absentee ballot applications, and view candidate lists.