Party Switchers Must Act By May 10

The November elections may be six months away, but if party primaries are triggered during the upcoming caucuses and conventions, voters will have a chance decide who appears on the ballot in August.

And to vote in those primaries, you must be registered as a party member by this coming Monday, May 10.

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the primary process.

Will there be primary elections?

It depends on the party caucuses and conventions in the coming weeks.  Even if they select a party candidate, others can petition to get on a primary ballot.  Just 5 percent of party members' signatures forces a petition.  If a candidate gets 15 percent of the votes at a party convention, that can also force a primary.

When will the primary be held?

August 10.

Candidates for which offices would be decided at a primary?

That depends on the caucuses and conventions.  They could range from probate judgeships and sate senate seats to the governorship and the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Chris Dodd.

Who pays for the primaries?

The towns where they are held.

If I'm already a registered Democrat or Republican, what do I need to do to vote in my party's primary?

Just show up to your polling station on primary election day or submit an absentee ballot with the Town Clerk.

What if I'm registered in a party but haven't voted recently?

Not a problem.  You can still show up and vote on primary day or file an absentee ballot.

If I'm a Democrat, can I vote in the Republican primary?

No, not unless you change your party affiliation three months in advance, which is why this year's deadline is May 10.

What if I'm unaffiliated?

If you have not declared a party affiliation you can do so right up until the day before the primary. 

But as Tom Dunn, Darien's Democratic Town Registrar, points out, "A lot of people who call themselves 'Independent' get confused. 

"'Unaffiliated'  is the official term for someone who is registered to vote but has not delared themselves a member of a party. 'Independent' just implies they may not adhere to their party's choices all the time."

What if I'm not registered to vote?

You can register and declare a party affiliation up until a day before the party primary and then be allowed to vote.

How do I register to vote and where?

You can register in person at the Darien Registrar's office in town hall, open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to noon.  Just bring proof of residency and a government-issued ID.  Or you can register to vote using this online form, where you can also declare a party affiliation.

How many party members are there in Darien?

As of last count, there are 12,284 registered voters in Darien:  6,044 Republicans, 2,379 Democrats, 3,848 Unaffiliated, and 14 "Other Party."

Where can I get more information about all this?

Visit the Registrar's office at Town Hall or call 203-656-7316.  Or visit the Connecticut Secretary of State's Web site.