Darien voters in the 27th state Senate district (those who vote at Hindley Elementary School and Town Hall) choose Tuesday between Republican Bob Kolenberg and Democrat Carlo Leone to represent them in Hartford. Rolf Maurer is running as a Green Party write-in candidate. Turnout is expected to be low, as the special election falls in the middle of Darien schools' February break, when many families go out of town.
"I think it will be slow," said former Darien First Selectman Evonne Klein, who has been campaigning for Leone. "It's at an unfortunate time. But the voters seem to be very informed people, and many of them did file for absentee ballots."
[breakhere] Harry Artinian, chairman of the Darien Republican Town Committee, said special elections usually have a very low turnout. "Typically the turnout will be between 15 and 20 percent, which is less than half of the turnout we saw in November's election," he said.
"It's a complication that both parties have to deal with. It makes absentee ballots and voter turnout all the more critical."
Artinian said Gov. Dan Malloys proposed budget, which would raise sales and income taxes, has been weighing on voters' minds. "State representatives have been inundated with phone calls and emails from people, expressing their concern," he said, adding that its important to have a candidate who will speak against raising taxes.
Klein pointed out that because Leone is a Democrat doesnt mean he will go along with the budget. "I think people recognize that Leone has a record, that he's not afraid to go against his party. He's been someone who will stand up and say 'no' to increased taxes."
Leone currently serves as a state representative for Assembly District 148, and Kolenberg serves on the Stamford Board of Finance. Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Who are you planning on voting for in the special election? What issues weigh most heavily on your mind? Have your voice heard in the comments below, on Facebook and on Twitter.
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