Moderators reported that voting in the 2023 municipal election was light, but problem-free throughout West Hartford.

Supporters of various candidates stand outside Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford on Nov. 7. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

With 19 candidates on the ballot in West Hartford one might expect a strong turnout of supporters, but throughout most of the day Tuesday moderators reported that voting was steady, but appeared lighter than usual.

According to data provided by Democratic Register of Voters Elizabeth Rousseau and Republican Registrar of Voters Beth Kyle, as of 6 p.m. 27.4% of registered voters had cast their ballots in West Hartford. That included 1,011 absentee ballots that had been returned as of 6 p.m., and 23 Election Day registrants.

Both registrars noted that according to moderators, things did seem to be picking up after 6 p.m.

Rousseau said in the 2021 municipal election, overall turnout was 31.6%, with 1,694 voting by absentee ballot. There were, however, roughly 1,500 more voters on the rolls that year – which directly followed a presidential election year. Currently, there are 41,017 people registered to vote in West Hartford.

At Conard High School, moderator Carole Mulready said the turnout seemed “a little lighter, especially this morning” when it was raining, and as of 4:30 p.m. it turnout was definitely lower than in past years.

Redistricting that went into effect in 2022 and notification to all voters was sent out prior to the primaries and 2022 state election in November, but there still were quite a few people who arrived to vote at Conard – their former polling place – only to learn that they needed to vote elsewhere.

At the Town Hall polling place, moderator Denise Graves said at 5 p.m. everything “is going extremely well.” She said that four people were waiting in line to vote when the polls opened at 6 a.m., and there was a steady stream throughout the day.

Check back with We-Ha.com for further updates, and final results as soon as they are tabulated.

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