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| Early voting starts next week, and some constituents have reached out with questions since this is the first time early voting will take place in our state for a general election. I'll break down where you can cast a ballot before Election Day.
Three local officers are in the spotlight for their incredible service to the community. Please keep scrolling to learn why these men were awarded with a special honor.
Did you know there is still time to claim your COVID relief money from 2021? Keep scrolling to learn how to access those funds.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Early In-Person Voting
- Local Police Officers Awarded
- Train Service to Resume on Waterbury Rail Line
- Get Your Covid Refund
- Speaking with Students & Apply for Legislative Internship
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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The state is making significant preparations for early in-person voting, which is set to take place from Monday, October 21, through Sunday, November 3. This is a historic moment because it is the first time this voting option will be available for a general election in our state.
During this early voting period, any registered voter is eligible to cast their ballot, providing greater access and flexibility for those wishing to participate in the electoral process. This initiative aims to encourage voter participation and streamline the voting experience for everyone.
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Registered voters can cast an early ballot at:
- Woodbridge Town Hall Meeting Room (11 Meetinghouse Lane) from Monday, October 21 – Sunday, November 3 from 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
- Woodbridge Town Hall Meeting Room (11 Meetinghouse Lane) on Tuesday, October 29 & Thursday, October 31 from 8 A.M. – 8 P.M.
- Orange Town Hall (617 Orange Center Road) from October 21 – November 3 from 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
- Orange Town Hall (617 Orange Center Road) on Tuesday, October 29 & Thursday, October 31 from 8 A.M. – 8 P.M.
You will find the times in locations in Derby and Hamden below. |
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| You may also vote on Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 5, at your polling station. If you are not sure whether you are registered to vote, please visit: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.
Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if, in your judgment, an absence from your town on Election Day prevents you from appearing at your polling place, or you are prevented from appearing at your assigned polling place on Election Day. |
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| Talk to your loved ones about registering to vote and ask them what their voting plan is for October and November. Discuss transportation, time off work, or any assistance they might need to cast a ballot. If you chat about those important items and remind them of the importance of their vote, they are more likely to take part in the upcoming election. |
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| Local Police Officers Awarded |
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| I would like to recognize all of our fabulous police officers who go above and beyond to protect all of us. Three of them received a special recognition recently for their commitment to excellence. We are proud of their dedication to preventing tragedies in our community.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) awarded Orange Police Officers Tony Colon and Andrew DeClement for their efforts in keeping our roads safe from impaired drivers over the past year. It was Officer Colon's sixth MADD award. |
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| Congratulations also goes out to Derby Police Officer Joshua Cash for his work investigating domestic violence incidents and assisting the victims of domestic violence. The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services recognized him at their annual candlelight vigil. |
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| The Umbrella provides free services for victims and children of domestic violence, including walk-in crisis services, 24-hour hotline, emergency safe houses, crisis intervention, counseling, support groups and court advocacy. You can reach the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services at (203) 736-9944 or 1-888-774-2900. |
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| Train Service to Resume on Waterbury Rail Line |
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| Train service will resume on the Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line on Monday, October 28. This is welcome news since the rail line has been closed for about two months after historic floods caused significant damage in August. The first train from Waterbury will leave the station at 4:45 A.M. and the first one in Bridgeport will take off at 7 A.M. |
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| Between now and October 28, conductors will operate test trains along the Waterbury Branch Line between Waterbury and Bridgeport in both directions. Buses will continue offering service in place of trains on the adjusted schedule until regular train service resumes. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Transportation says crews have been working non-stop to repair two washouts near Beacon Falls and Seymour. Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work restoring this vital train service. |
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| There is still time to collect your COVID relief money from 2021. The United Way of Connecticut and its trusted partners will help you get the money you're owed. Whether it's COVID relief money or child credits, CLICK HERE to help get your money. |
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| Speaking with Students & Apply for Legislative Internship |
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| This week, I spoke to UConn students in a public policy writing class about the role legislators play in creating policy and why it’s important to get involved and learn how to share information clearly. Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health Manisha Juthani, former Chief of Staff for Governor Lamont Jonny Dach, and Chief of Staff for Attorney General William Tong Cara Passaro joined me to give a full perspective on policy making and implementation. |
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| I encouraged all of those college students and many others who are interested in getting hands-on experience with state government, to apply for our Legislative Internship Program. As the Co-Chair of the Internship Committee, it is my responsibility to ensure that students receive an unforgettable experience in Hartford. You can read about the program and the application process here, but remember the deadline to apply is November 1! |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| There's a mystery unfolding at Derby Neck Library, and you're invited to be a part of it! The library is hosting its first murder mystery dinner party fundraiser on Friday, October 18 at 5 P.M. Tickets are $35 and include dinner and entertainment for adults 18+. Every ticket sold supports the library. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give free food to the community on Tuesday, October 22 from 2:15 PM - 3:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| You are invited to a community forum to learn why Amity schools have adopted cell phone restrictions The event will be held on Monday, October 21 at 6:30 P.M. at Amity Regional High School. Staff will answer questions and break down the impact of cell phones on student focus and academic performance. |
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| The Orange Visiting Nurse Association is hosting a flu clinic on Wednesday October 23. You can get your shot from 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. at High Plains Community Center. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the fliers and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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