Both registrars will retire in 2008

Barbara Tracey and Kevin O’Connor have a combined 55 years of service to the town.

By Lindsey Pizzica Rotolo

Norfolk will lose both of its registrars of voters in 2008. Kevin O’Connor has faithfully served Norfolk’s Democratic Party for 40 years and will step down as registrar when his term ends in November 2008. Barbara Tracey has served as the Republican registrar for over 15 years and will retire from her position after the presidential primary in February.

“It has become more and more work the past few years,” O’Connor said about his decision to resign. “Cities can better handle the increased responsibilities placed on registrars in recent years, but in a small town it’s just too much work for two people.”

“I think it will be hard for Kevin and me to not be at the polls on election days, but it’s time to step down.” Tracey commented. “The town is certainly going to miss Kevin. He really shouldered the bulk of the responsibility and was the registrar par excellance.”

The registrar’s job description is governed by Connecticut General Statutes. Their primary responsibilities are the preparation and clarification of the official voting list and ensuring we have fair, accurate and efficient elections. They are required to attend meetings called by the Secretary of the State to keep up to date on new and pending legislation, as it is proposed and passed.
In addition to overseeing the elections, primaries and referenda, the registrars maintain the voter registration files, register voters, conduct an annual canvass of voters, make changes in voter demographics based on information received from sources such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and remove those who have been convicted of a felony or have moved out of town. The registrars also process all local and statewide petitions.

The state used to allow the town clerk to handle some of these responsibilities, but that is not the case anymore. Serving as registrar has become a part-time job, although more time is demanded of them during election, primary or referenda times.

Elections are particularly time consuming because the registrars are responsible for preparing the budget and the Town Hall building for elections, and training poll workers and election officials. Days prior to elections, the registrars prepare an official voter list of active and inactive voters, arrange for the set up and removal of all voting equipment and inspect and pre-test voting machines. The day of the election, the registrars must supervise and assist all election officials and deal with voter inquiries.

Madeline Falk, O’Connor’s assistant, will most likely get the Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement for registrar after O’Connor’s term ends in November. Donna Calder, Tracey’s assistant, is also interested in taking over as registrar. Calder will probably be appointed to interim registrar upon Tracey’s resignation in February.