Sean Hughes, Account Director, Connecticut Package Stores Association.
By Sean Hughes
As Americans, we have the invaluable right to vote for representatives who will advocate for our interests and shape our laws. From municipal to congressional and presidential elections, we have the opportunity to select individuals we believe will best represent our values and priorities. While not everyone exercises this fundamental right, elections are held every November at local polling places, providing a chance for all to participate in the democratic process.
While most voting-age citizens are aware of yearly November elections, not all receive the same level of media attention. Congressional and state legislative races take place every two years in Connecticut, coinciding with even-numbered years. Municipal elections, involving mayors, selectmen and various boards, are held in odd-numbered years, also every two years. Presidential election cycles, which happen every four years, are particularly high-profile, with candidates and political action committees spending significant sums on advertising and public outreach.
With Labor Day marking the unofficial kickoff to full-blown campaign season, members of the public are met with a significant increase in TV commercials, social media ads and candidate lawn signs. While some of the unrelenting deluge of election-related information can be helpful, it can overwhelm some voters, leading to a lack of interest or engagement in the process.
There has also been a growing sentiment among Americans that their vote simply does not count. When comparing voting totals nationally and statewide, it is easy to feel that a single vote is insignificant. In the 2020 presidential election, for example, one vote out of 159.6 million might seem inconsequential. However, several states in that election were decided by a narrow margin, often within a few thousand votes.
In races for state legislators serving in Hartford, the margins are far smaller, making each vote incredibly important. The 2022 state election featured several close races that demonstrate the impact of even one single vote. In the 81st House District, which encompasses most of Southington, the race was for an open seat with no incumbent. Democrat Chris Poulos defeated Republican Tony Morrison by just one vote out of 10,593 cast. Similarly, in the 134th House District (Fairfield and Trumbull), Democratic candidate Sarah Keitt won by a margin of 14 votes out of 10,272 total votes. Even more recently, in a Democratic primary for the 91st House District seat (Hamden), the initial vote count showed one candidate as having won by just two votes, triggering a recount. The results of the recount, which included a missing batch of in-person ballots, flipped the results by a margin of 15 votes. These examples highlight the common occurrence of Connecticut General Assembly elections being decided by narrow margins, often under 100 or 200 votes out of tens of thousands cast.
Every single vote matters. Whether it’s for a presidential candidate or a local planning and zoning commission member, your vote is crucial. Citizens throughout history have fought to secure this right for you and me. Voting only takes a few moments but can have a lasting impact on the future, depending on the legislative priorities of those elected. With another busy year of legislative activity impacting the liquor industry ahead in Hartford, be sure to know where your candidate stands on issues that are important to you. To stay informed on the election, candidates and other legislative action, join the Connecticut Package Stores Association today.
Find out more about any of these issues and the benefits of membership at ctpsa.com.
