Election Commentary

 

“This election is more than an election. It is a turning point that will decide what kind of country we will live in. Will we have the ability and right to protest, and to continue to demand a ceasefire? Will we have the right to teach real, uncomfortable history in our classrooms. Or will many, many more of us be blacklisted, jailed, deported, or otherwise restricted for what we believe, who we love, and if we have been to a rally for a progressive cause. Will our seniors have health care. Will labor unions be made illegal. Will public education be massively defunded. Will we live in real fascism in the United States. Will all abortion clinics be closed. This is what is on the line. We must make Kamala Harris the next president. Please help us make sure we never have to face the alternative. We have too much to face already. We must build and go forward, and not give in to politics of convenience.”

This message, posted on the first day of early voting by Lisa Bergmann, was accompanied by a comparison of where the candidates stand on issues that affect the lives of working class people, and an expose of how the MAGA/Trump Project 2025 agenda threatens all democratic rights.

Also on the first day of early voting, the CT Alliance for Retired Americans held a special phone bank to call union retirees with a message to vote early and to support pro-worker candidates including Jahana Hayes in the Fifth Congressional District and the Harris-Walz presidential ticket to preserve and expand Social Security..

Long lines in Connecticut's cities and towns on the state's first ever day of early voting underscored the high stakes of this election, and the importance of weeks of door knocking and conversations held to talk about the issues and overcome confusion..

Early voting is open from October 21 to November 3 (10 am to 6 pm) and on October 29 and October 31 (8 am to 8 pm). In most municipalities the early voting location is in town hall. Those who are not registered to vote can do so at the time and place of early voting.

A question on the ballot will further open access to voting by allowing for no-excuse absentee voting, so that any voter could request an absentee ballot, as is done in most other states.