Matt Lesser

Senator Matt Lesser Releases Statement After Announcement Made by Newington Registrars of Voters

This morning, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) is releasing a statement after the Newington Registrars of Voters announced they are submitting a new plan and abandoning previous plans to slash the number of polling places.

“I am relieved that Newington’s Republican and Democratic Registrars of Voters announced at a meeting last night that they are abandoning plans to shutter 5 of 8 of the town’s polling places,” said Sen. Lesser. “The right to vote is the most fundamental right in a democracy. Newington’s elected leaders heard loud and clear that the public cares deeply about voting rights.”

Last week, Sen. Lesser joined Rep. Gary Turco, town residents, and voting rights activists in raising alarm about the surprise proposal, which would have disproportionately impacted the elderly and people with disabilities. Newington Registrars have since announced that they will be submitting a new plan, which will be posted on the town website.

“I will pay close attention to the new proposal to review any impact on the right of Newington residents to vote,” said Sen. Lesser. “This isn’t over.”

This upcoming legislative session, Sen. Lesser is planning to re-introduce the Connecticut Voting Rights Act, which he first introduced in 2021, that would provide additional safeguards against local redistricting efforts and polling place changes that limit the right to vote.