A Guide to Election Day 2009

ELECTION DAY 2009:

Today, Nov. 3, 2009 is Election Day for local Darien government officials. Anyone who is registered to vote in Darien can cast a ballot. 

WHO AM I VOTING FOR?

This year there is a contest for seats on the Board of Selectmen and in certain districts of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Voters may also express support for candidates who are running unopposed for other town boards and RTM districts.

Three candidates are vying for the office of First Selectman; three are running for Selectman. The candidates who lose the First Selectman race automatically become part of the race for Selectman. Of this pool, the top four candidates to get the most votes win a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

First Selectman Candidates:

• David M. Campbell (Republican)
• Christian Noe (Petitioning Candidate)
• Callie Anne Sullivan  (Democrat)

More information on each district’s candidates is available here: The League of Women Voters 2009 Voters Guide.

Board of Selectmen Candidates:

• David F. Bayne (Democrat)
• Gerald (Jerry) A. Nielsen, Jr. (Republican)
• Jayme J. Stevenson (Republican)

More information on the candidates is available here: The League of Women Voters 2009 Voters Guide.

Representative Town Meeting Candidates:

The Representative Town Meeting cannot exceed 100 members. The RTM is determined annually by elector vote; to be elected, a candidate must receive at least twenty-five votes.

More information on each district’s candidates is available here: The League of Women Voters 2009 Voters Guide.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

To further familiarize yourself with the candidates, and to brush up on the issues, check out our Bite-Sized Politics series here: Elections 09

WHERE AND WHEN CAN I VOTE?

• Polls are open 6 a.m. through 8 p.m.
• There are six polling places in Darien

1. Ox Ridge School, 395 Mansfield Ave.
2. Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Rd.
3. Holmes School, 18 Hoyt St.
4. Hindley School, 10 Nearwater Ln.
5. Darien High School, 80 High School Ln.
6. Tokeneke School, 7 Old Farm Road

• You must vote at the polling place covering your district
• To determine your polling places click here: Alphabetical List of Polling Places by Street

NEED A RIDE?

The Republican team for the Board of Selectmen (Dave Campbell, Jerry Nielsen and Jayme Stevenson) has set up a transportation service to assist Darien residents who need a ride. If you’re a registered voter in need of transportation to and from the polls today, contact Debbie Parnon at 203-655-7060.

CAST A BALLOT, GET A FLU SHOT

This year, the Darien Health Department has coordinated their own non-partisan Vax and Vote initiative. Seasonal flu vaccination stations will be set up at the Town Hall gymnasium, right next to the polling stations from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. (Polls stay open until 8 p.m.) Swine flu vaccinations will not be offered. The cost for the vaccination is about $30, and free for those with Medicare insurance. Not to worry if the Town Hall is not your polling place, flu shots are available to all while supplies last.

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

From the League of Women Voters website, here's five things you need to know on Election Day:

• Your Ballot, Your Vote: Don't panic if you registered to vote but your name is not on the list. Get help from a poll worker to make sure your vote is counted. You may be directed to another polling place of given a provisional ballot.

• I.D.—Don’t go Without it: You may need to show I.D. To be safe, bring your driver's license, or a paycheck, utility bill or government document that includes your name and street address.

• Writing on the Wall: Look at the signs at the polling place for directions on how to use the voting machines, a list of your voting rights, and instructions for filing a complaint if your rights have been violated.

• When in Doubt, Ask: Poll workers are there to help you. They'll show you how to work the machines and give you a provisional ballot if you need one. If you're at the wrong polling place, they should tell you how to get the right one.

• In and Out: You probably won't have to wait too long. But even if the line is long, don't leave without voting. The outcome of this election will be important.

3 TIPS TO MAKE VOTING A BREEZE:

From the League of Women Voters website, three ways to make voting a breeze:

• Call Ahead: Call the Registrars of Voters Office (203-656-7301) to make sure you're registered to vote and to find out where your polling place is. Or check here: Voter Districts by Street

• Avoid the Crowd: If you can, go to the polls during off hours: 10 a.m.—11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m. That's when it's likely to be less crowded.

• Take a Friend: Why go along when you can take a friend to vote too?

STILL GOT QUESTIONS?

Contact the Election Administrators at the Registrars of Voters with any questions at 203-656-7301, or visit their website. The Registrars of Voters Office, Room 106 at The Town Hall, will be open all day.

More information on the candidates is available here: The League of Women Voters 2009 Voters Guide.