Mike Demicco

The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities is hosting a summer symposium on “The State of Our Vote: Policy, Progress, and Protections in America,” on Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The symposium will feature a panel discussion that covers many of the challenges voting rights face in the modern era. The speakers -- Gus Hamilton, Kevin Brown, Corey Paris, Patricia Rossi, Laura Smits, and James Jeter -- will offer a variety of perspectives on the ways voting rights have changed as a result of Supreme Court cases, federal and state laws, and public engagement.

Centering on redistricting, mail-in voting, the SAVE America Act, and other current events, the panel will look at where voting rights stand in the present moment and where it goes from here. 

LWVCT's co-presidents will participate in the panel discussion. LWVCT will also have a table with voting accessibility and election information. 

Speaking of voting, any eligible Connecticut registered voter may request, receive, and vote with an absentee ballot. You do NOT have to give a reason to vote via absentee ballot.

Connecticut law requires election officials to issue absentee ballots to registered voters who submit an application starting 31 days before a general election and 21 days before a primary.

The following is from the Secretary of the State's website:

New - Expanded access to absentee ballots

Public Act 26-42 implements the results of the November 2024 statewide referendum expanding absentee ballot access for Connecticut voters. Voters no longer need to provide a specific reason or excuse to request an absentee ballot for any referendum, primary or election.

Eligible voters in Connecticut may request an absentee ballot with an official absentee ballot application (ED-3). There are two convenient ways to access and submit the form:

• Online: at CT Online Absentee Ballot Request Portal 

Reminder: the online absentee ballot portal opens 45 days before any referendum, primary or election.

• On paper: Apply using this link: English and Spanish Application for Absentee Ballot

For an emergency ballot within 6 days of an election, use the following Emergency Application for Absentee Ballot: English and Spanish Emergency Application for Absentee Ballot

After completing your paper absentee ballot application, mail or hand deliver the application to the Town Clerk in the town where you reside.

Absentee Ballot Availability

August 11, State Primary

Deadline to request an absentee ballot: Aug. 10

November 3, State Election

Online Absentee Ballot Portal opens: Sept. 19
First day absentee ballots are issued: Oct. 2
Deadline to request an absentee ballot: Nov. 2

For more information, visit here.
 

Farmington, Plainville & Burlington Restaurant Week has started and runs through Aug. 2.

The event offers diners deals and the chance to try some new restaurants or visit old favorites in the area. 

Reservations are highly recommended, so book your tables early. Click here to make reservations

Participating Restaurants:

Aura Essence Of India – RW Menu – 860-404-2007

Carol’s Lunchbox at Westwoods – RW Menu – 860-515-7113

Delta Pizza – RW Menu – 860-255-7484

Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Parlor – RW Menu – 860-677-0118

Farmington Pizza + Kitchen – RW Menu Coming Soon – 860-677-4341

Fork & Fire – RW Menu – 860-255-7674 – Make Reservations

Golden Mango – RW Menu – 860-404-2871

Greenhouse Cafe & Tavern - 860-673-8111

I Know A Guy – 860-404-5286

Iron Horse Sports Pub – RW Menu – 860-673-0200

Kin You Dee Restaurant – RW Menu – 860-404-2209

Liquid Nirvana – RW Menu – 860-404-2413

Mykonos Express – RW Menu – 860-846-8125

Naples Pizza – RW Menu – 860-674-8876

Olivia’s Trattoria & Pizzeria – RW Menu – 860-673-0767

Royal Xperience De’ Maria Pizza & Pub – RW Menu – 860-846-6954

Stadium XV Craft Kitchen & Sim Bar – 860-512-9081

Sunrise Cafe at The Exchange – RW Menu –860-404-5837

Transcend Beer Crafters – RW Menu – 860-319-5616

Yume Hibachi Steak & Sushi – RW Menu – 860-673-8888