Maria Horn

This is my State Capitol update for the week of March 14.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click on the play button to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.

• Early Voting. Click here. 
• Food Waste Prevention Week. Click here.
• Public Hearing Schedule. Click here. 
• Upcoming Events. Click here.  

This legislation was made possible by a state Constitutional amendment approved by a wide majority of Connecticut voters in 2022. It will provide you - and voters across the state - with more flexibility and access to cast your vote with the confidence that your voice is heard and your civic duty is fulfilled, while avoiding large crowds and scheduling conflicts.

Anticipating that you may have questions about this new process, I hope the guide below will be helpful in providing information to answer them.

Here's what you need to know:

When is early voting?

For the April 2 presidential preference primary election, early voting will take place from 10am-6pm on March 26, 27, 28, and 30. Due to Good Friday and Easter, there will be no early voting Friday, March 29 or Sunday, March 31.

Early voting for the August 13 primary elections will take place between August 5 and August 11.

Early voting for the November 5 general election will take place between October 21 to November 3.

Is my early voting location the same as my regular voting location?

Not necessarily. Each town will have at least one early voting location, and municipalities with a population of 20,000 or more will have the opportunity to add additional locations. You can find your early voting location on your municipality's website, at MyVote.ct.gov, or by calling 860-509-6200.

Are there deadlines to be aware of?

Monday, March 25 at noon is the deadline to register with a political party to vote in the early voting period for the presidential preference primary.

Monday, April 1 at noon is the deadline for registering in person with your registrar of voters or town clerk to vote on April 2, and for unaffiliated voters to enroll in a party for in-person voting.

If you are not yet registered to vote, file your registration application with your town's registrar of voters by noon on the business day before the day you want to vote, or click here to register.

Voting is one of our country's most privileged and fundamental rights, and your participation is crucial in shaping the future. Let’s amplify the impact of our collective voice – start voting early!

Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office with any further questions on this new and exciting initiative!

In recognition of the need to end food loss and waste at home, at work, and in the community, the Salisbury/Sharon Transfer Station and the Transfer Station Recycling Advisory Committee (TRAC) support Food Waste Prevention Week 2024, joining more than 600 partners across the country. Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1-7, 2024, is a week-long awareness campaign to inform and inspire everyone to reduce food waste through smart buying, storing, and planning, and by getting food waste out of the garbage. Click here to learn more: https://www.foodwastepreventionweek.com/

Transfer Station Drop-Off Site Reminders

• Use only BPI certified biodegradable bags for your food waste. NO PLASTIC BAGS.
• Fill toters to the top with your food waste bags before starting a new one.
• Notify staff if there is no room in the toters. Empty toters are stored nearby, but in an area restricted to residents.

Cornwall Child Center's Flannel Fling

The Child Center's Flannel Fling is coming up Saturday, April 6 at Torrington Country Club, 6:00pm. Join for an evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing. Dress in your finest flannel. All proceeds benefit the Cornwall Child Center. To purchase tickets visit: https://cornwallchildcenter.org/

Regional School District 6(20) – Fundraiser for St. Baldrick's Foundation
St. Baldrick's Foundation is a non-profit organization that funds research to find cures for childhood cancers. Each year, they organize events where individuals volunteer to shave their heads in solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatment and, at the same time, raise funds for critical research.
 
Three years ago several RSD6 employees shaved their heads and raised over $17,000. This year they've set their goal to $20,000! Several years ago, Goshen Center School lost an amazing young man to cancer, and would like once again to raise funds. There have been other students, across four towns, over the past 5-7 years that have been diagnosed - the fight continues. The fundraiser will be held Monday, March 18th at Goshen Center School.

Involving the school community in this initiative can make a meaningful impact in fundraising and spreading awareness about childhood cancer.The funds raised will be donated to St. Baldrick's Foundation to support their ongoing research efforts. Donations can be made here: https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/Region20

An opening reception will take place on Saturday, March 16th, 4-6PM.  The exhibition is accompanied by two talks:

On Saturday March 16, at 3PM before the reception, Daniel Karp from Simon's Rock will talk about the progress of photographic technology.

On Saturday, March 23, 3:30PM, Michel Majer from Cora Ginsburg LLC will give a presentation on early twentieth century fashion with examples from the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society. 

All events are free and open to the public.

Mark your calendars! As the NCAA Basketball Tournament, better known as “March Madness”, whittles from a field of 64 hopefuls to The Final Four teams, The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens invites the community to join the fun and festivities at a free, family-friendly watch party on Saturday, April 6. Back by popular demand after their recent appearance at the Football Watch Party is the Meraki Food Truck, which will be on site to satisfy game day cravings with a special menu available for purchase. Join your family, friends and neighbors for an afternoon of fun as you cheer on your favorite team to victory! Stay tuned for more details to come soon...

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Maria Horn
State Representative