By Wiley Wood

In this lively election season, no one is likely to forget that Election Day falls on November 8, the second Tuesday of November. The Norfolk polling station, on the second floor of Town Hall at 19 Maple Avenue, will be open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

“Be sure you’re registered,” counsels Town Clerk Linda Perkins. Residents of Norfolk can register in person with the town clerk up to seven days before the election, as long as they are U.S. citizens over 18 and bring a photo I.D.

Perkins urges residents who are uncertain whether they are registered voters to check their status online or to visit her at Town Hall.

Town Clerk Linda Perkins urges residents to register prior to election day.

“If you haven’t voted in Norfolk for several years and didn’t fill out the card from the registrar of voters—maybe because your information stayed the same—your registration can go on the inactive rolls,” Perkins explains, adding that it can sometimes lead to difficulties on Election Day.

“If you’re not going to be in town, get an absentee ballot,” Perkins says next. The forms are available at the town clerk’s office until November 7, the day prior to the election.

Finally, Perkins points out that Connecticut is one of 11 states where it is possible to register to vote on Election Day. She does not recommend this course of action except in extreme circumstances.

“It puts enormous stress on everyone involved,” says Perkins, describing the process as difficult, labor intensive and time consuming.

Election Day registrants cast a provisional ballot that is tallied in the general results only in the event of a recount.

Nonetheless, a room will be set aside in Town Hall on November 8 for Election Day registration.

Perkins describes interest in the election as high. In mid-October, when this article went to press, 72 absentee ballots had been distributed and 30 residents had newly registered to vote. Norfolk’s election rolls comprise 1,116 voters.

Photo by Bruce Frisch.