Voting Rights for All

vote
September 16, 2022
Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. It is critical that all eligible voters have equal access and opportunity to participate in our electoral process. Connecticut is committed to ensuring that the polls are accessible to all voters and that you are fully able to exercise your voting rights privately and independently.
Do You Know Your Rights?
  • You have the right to an accessible polling place
  • Accommodations can be made if you have difficulty standing in line at the polls
  • You have the right to use a ballot marking device at the polling place
  • You have the right to vote independently and privately
  • You have the right to receive assistance if you need help casting your ballot
  • You have the right to review a sample ballot and receive instructions concerning how to operate the voting equipment before voting 
  • You can request curbside voting if you become temporarily incapacitated when you arrive at the polling place
  • You have the right to vote by absentee ballot if you have a physical disability that prevents you from voting in person on Election Day
If your voting rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the State Elections Enforcement Commission by calling 866-733-2463 or emailing elections@ct.gov. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Voting should be fair and accessible to all and I'm proud to support legislative initiatives to expand voter accessibility.

Last year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a

 resolution that will give you the opportunity to modernize our state's election rules. On November 8, 2022, voters will decide if Connecticut should allow for in-person early voting.
 
We also passed several new voting laws this year and during the 2021 session to make it easier to vote absentee. Click the buttons below to learn more.
 
If you have questions about voting absentee, head over to the Secretary of the State's website or click the links I have provided below to our community's Town/City Clerks.

Town/City Clerk Website:
2021 Acts Affecting Elections
2022 Acts Affecting Elections
 
Derby September 11 Ceremony
Last weekend, I had the honor of attending the Derby September 11th ceremony. It is so important to take the time to listen and remember the acts of bravery, sacrifice, and care that our first responders and ordinary people showed that day.

This year I brought my older daughter with me; she is in 8th grade and her social studies class is doing a unit on September 11th. I am so glad she and her classmates are learning about this tragic day and the heroism displayed.

You can see more images of the ceremony on the Valley Independent Sentinel's website by clicking the button below.
9/11 Ceremony Images
 
NVCOG NVision 2022 Conference
On Tuesday this week, I attended the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments' (NVCOG) NVision 2022 Conference in Waterbury!

This was a wonderful opportunity for me to hear the concerns and great future ideas from Valley leaders on how we can serve and improve our beautiful community.

 
Orange County Fair
DON'T FORGET, the Orange Country Fair will be running THIS WEEKEND, September 17th & 18th, at High Plains Fairgrounds!

Heads up! Many tractors for display are driven in this evening - keep an eye out on the roads to keep everyone safe.

This is always a wonderful community event and I hope to see you there!
 
Roadwork in Orange

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing upcoming roadwork starting next week on the Exit 58 Northbound Off ramp and the Exit 57 Southbound On & Off ramps, from Route 34 to Route 15, Wilbur Cross Parkway. Weather permitting, the project will start on September 20 and 21 from 6PM to 6AM.

Detour Information:

  • There will be a detour in place for traffic in both the NB & SB direction prior to the milling and paving operations
 
Suicide Prevention Month
As Suicide Prevention Month continues, I wanted to remind you that suicide prevention begins with all of us. Learn about the risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs of suicide here.

Call or text 988 to access the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Available 24/7, 988 gives you access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

I also wanted to share some resources provided by United Way of Connecticut. The video below helps start the conversation about suicide awareness. If you click the button below, it will bring you to United Way of Connecticut's Facebook Page where they provide a number of additional resources and information about suicide prevention.
Suicide Prevention Resources
 
 
Orange Community Farmers' Market
The Town of Orange continues its Community Farmers' Market every Thursday from 3:30PM - 7:00PM through September 29th!

They are located at the Pavilion of the High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road.

Products are only the best certified and Connecticut grown ranging from:
  • Bakery products
  • Eggs
  • Flowers
  • Milk
  • Meats
  • Soaps
  • Plants
  • In-season vegetables
  • Crafts and services

Each week there will be vendors showcasing the freshest products. If you do not see something you want, contact the Market Master.
 
Derby Summer Concert Series

The City of Derby is continuing its 2022 Concert Series on the Derby Green!

Now that it is officially September, the series will then continue on Friday nights from 6:30PM to 8:30PM:

  • TONIGHT - The Bernadettes - R&B, Funk, & Soul Show Band
  • September 23 - Rich Bobinski Orchestra - Oktoberfest / Polka Music
  • September 30 - Larry Ayce Band - Country
  • October 7 - Mark Lanzieri and Friends - Italian / Sinatra
There will be no rain date for Friday night concerts.
 
In The News

On Monday, I attended the Amity Board of Ed. meeting to show support for the district's educators, especially our librarians/library media specialists. This group of committed educators goes through 6 to 8 years of training on how and where to guide students to appropriate educational materials. Additionally, getting books approved in school curriculum in our state is an involved process that actively takes parental feedback into consideration. I am glad that our community can facilitate a healthy discussion on these topics and hope that as discussions continue, we can remain respectful to the process and seek fact-based background information.
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.