Your Vote is Their Primary Concern

The telephone was ringing constantly today in Alicia Fortunato's office. Stamford residents wondering where they can vote, others frantic because they've found out at the last minute they're not registered. It was Monday morning, the day before primary elections and Fortunato, the Democratic Registrar of Voters, along with her Republican counterpart Lucy Corelli were in for a busy day.

"This is the most frustrating part," said Fortunato about residents who want to participate but have fallen off the voting rolls. Reasons are varied and most are simple to correct. Some residents, for example, moved outside the area temporarily and forgot to reregister.

The deadline was noon today to register to vote in tomorrow's primary election, which is open only to registered Democrats and Republicans. Unaffiliated voters cannot participate.

Twenty-three polling sites throughout the city will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"I think the turnout is going to be pretty good for the Republicans," said Corelli, who predicts a 38 percent turnout. "People are motivated" because the city of Stamford is represented by two of the gubernatorial candidates. One of them, Michael Fedele, happens to be Corelli's brother.

Of course, she says, she's "very proud" of her "little brother," but Corelli is adamant that voters are assured that her personal affiliation does not affect her professional duties.

"I'm also the registrar of voters and I have to do things by the book," Corelli says.

On the Democratic side, Fortunato expects about a 35 to 40 percent turnout. "[Former Stamford mayor] Dan Malloy is the endorsed candidate for the Democratic Party," said Fortunato, "so I assume there will be a good turnout for him."

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