Young People Swell Rolls; Voter Turnout Could Reach as High as 90%
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, is announcing that record numbers of Connecticut citizens have registered to vote. Bysiewicz is also urging Connecticut residents to be prepared when they head to the polls.
“On Election Day we could see massive numbers of Connecticut residents head to the polls,” said Bysiewcz. “I am urging all voters to be prepared. Voters should make sure they have proper identification and know the location of their polling place. Of course, anytime we approach record voter turnout voters should leave plenty of time to vote.”
Secretary Bysiewicz is encouraging voters to visit www.vote-ez-ct.com to learn more about acceptable forms of identification or to help locate their polling place. If you are a first-time voter who registered by mail on or after January 1, 2003, and you have to vote in person you must present to the checkers either a current and valid photo identification that shows your name and address; or present a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
A surge in new voter registrations has pushed the total number of registered voters in Connecticut to over 2,097,000 –the highest such figures in state history. Specifically, since January 1st of this year, nearly 300,827 Connecticut residents have become newly registered voters. Of those, 122,006 new voters have registered as Democrats, 38,693 have registered as Republicans and 138,088 are unaffiliated voters.
In October, more than 134,000 new voters have registered for the November general election. The total number of registered voters in Connecticut is 2,097,635. The largest group of registered voters in Connecticut is unaffiliated, accounting for 883,274 voters. There are 779,784 registered Democrats and 427,020 registered Republicans.
2008 may well be remembered as the year of the young voter. Since January 1st, some 130,197 young people have become newly registered voters. Of those new younger voters, 53,375 have registered as Democrats, 13,666 have registered with the Republican Party and 62,198 who have signed up as unaffiliated.
“When it comes to voter registration in Connecticut this year has been like no other one in my tenure as Secretary of the State,” said Bysiewicz. “The incredible interest in this year’s election is reflected in the voter registration numbers. It is truly inspiring to see so many 18 year olds and 80 year olds registering to vote for the first time. Connecticut’s voters are ready, now it’s time to vote, vote, vote!”
