Trumbull town officials are working hard in preparation for the November 3, 2020 general election to ensure that Trumbull voting locations are safe for in-person voting during the pandemic. In a Presidential election year, approximately 80% of Trumbull’s 26,310 registered voters can be expected to cast ballots. While the number of voters who choose to vote via absentee ballot may be at a record high, Trumbull is working diligently in advance of the election to make sure voting locations will be safe for all who choose to vote in person.
A team of town officials, including First Selectman Vicki Tesoro, Registrars of Voters Bill Holden and Tom Kelly, Town Clerk Mary Markham, Director of Emergency Management Megan Murphy, and Public Works Director George Estrada have been meeting regularly to prepare and plan.
“The Town of Trumbull has a responsibility to create safe environments for all voters who come to the polls to vote and all those who will be working at the polls on Election Day,” said First Selectman Vicki Tesoro. “Our team of town officials is working diligently to make sure that every reasonable precaution is taken to keep everyone safe.”
Among the measures being taken:
- Voters will be asked to keep 6 feet of social distance. Appropriate floor markings and signage will be displayed.
- Plexiglass partitions will protect poll workers and voters. Poll workers will be wearing appropriate masks and PPE. Voters are also expected to wear appropriate masks.
- Voting privacy booths will be appropriately distanced from one another.
- Sanitizing and cleaning of the polling locations will take place throughout the day.
- Air flow studies are taking place to ensure proper ventilation.
- Additional poll workers will be hired and additional lines will be added to ensure that voters can proceed through the voting location as quickly as possible.
Trumbull’s voting locations remain the same as they have in recent elections: District 1: Hillcrest Middle School; District 2: St. Joseph High School; District 3: Madison Middle School; District 4: Middlebrook School. Trumbull Schools will not be in session on Election Day.
Due to legislation passed this year and the Governor’s executive orders, all voters may vote via absentee ballot if they cite COVID-19 as the reason. However, Trumbull will be prepared for all voters who choose to vote in person.
The Town will incur unusual expenses attributable to equipment, personnel, and cleaning to maintain safety at the polling places. However, these additional COVID-related costs are being defrayed by grants received from the CT Secretary of the State’s Office from the CARES Act. Trumbull received $5,400 for the August 11 primary, and is slated to receive over $22,000 for the November 3 general election. This funding also will cover unusual expenses associated with the absentee ballot process.
First Selectman Tesoro concluded, “Our town officials have been working collaboratively to keep Trumbull safe since the beginning of the pandemic. We want Trumbull voters and poll workers to feel safe at our polling places. We are working hard to provide the safest environment possible.”