Town Hall voting was dedicated to election day registrants who could vote as soon as their registrations were validated and accepted. According to volunteer Craig Bergamo, less than 10 people registered and voted by 6:30 a.m. at that site. Anyone who is eligible to vote in Westport and wishes to register and vote today can go to the back entrance of Town Hall and head for the Auditorium. Polls close at 8 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The line at Coleytown Elementary spilled out onto Easton Road even before the polls opened (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Jerry Blackwell of Westport was third on line to vote at Greens Farms Elementary on Tuesday morning. A veteran, he expressed a strong belief in the responsibility to take part in elections. “You pay your taxes and vote,” he said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com

By Jarret Liotta

Hundreds of people began Election Day lined up to vote outside of Greens Farms Elementary—more than many people have ever seen before.

Suzanne Hermus of Westport was among hundreds of voters who made up an incredibly long line this morning at Greens Farms Elementary when the polls opened. “When you see it it’s pretty incredible,” she said. “I’ve voted many years here in the past and I’ve never seen this before.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com

“When you see it, it’s pretty incredible,” said Suzanne Hermus of Westport, who likewise wasn’t surprised by a queue that—even with social distancing—was remarkably long.

“I’ve voted many years here in the past and I’ve never seen this before,” she said, standing on a line that circled the parking lot and rolled partway down the driveway.

“This is what democracy should look like,” said Nancy Dodderidge of Westport, who was impressed with the civility and tangible commitment of volunteers and voters in attendance.

The lines were long as the polls opened at 6 a.m. at Greens Farms Elementary. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ellen Lautenberg for WestportNow.com

Registrars of Voters Richard Ruggiano and Marla Cowden said Westport Voting Districts will return to their customary locations for the Nov. 3, 2020 Election.

Districts 143 and 136-1 at Saugatuck Elementary School, 170 Riverside Avenue
District 136-2 at Coleytown Elementary School, 65 Easton Road
District 136-3 at Longs Lots Elementary School, 13 Hyde Lane
Districts 136-4 and 136-5 at Greens Farms Elementary, 17 Morningside Drive South
District 136-6 at Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road

All registered voters can check their scheduled polling place at: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx

Voters will be issued a mask and gloves (you can wear your own). Allow additional time to vote due to COVID-19 procedures. Be ready to wait in line and dress for the weather. Leave personal belongings in your locked vehicle and bring only your identification into the poll. Food and beverages are not allowed in the poll. And, finally, follow the directions of election officials.

If you’re not registered but want to vote Nov. 3, and are eligible to vote in Westport, you can head to the Town Hall Auditorium (110 Myrtle Ave.) between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. for Election Day Registration. Enter from the parking lot in the rear. The registration process on Election Day takes longer than the process of voting, especially with COVID-19 restrictions in place, so plan to get there as early as possible.

You must appear in person (please wear a mask) and provide proof of your identity and residence. Proof can be a current Connecticut driver’s license, ID card, or Learner’s Permit (adhesive strips with change of address is acceptable). Proof of identity examples are birth certificate, passport, college photo ID, out-of-state or Connecticut driver’s license without Westport address change.

Proof of residence examples, showing a current Westport address, are your lease, pay check, bank statement, property tax bill, naturalization documents, college/university registration/fee statement, passport than includes your current Westport address, and utility bills if due no later than Dec. 3, 2020.

If you have questions call 203-341-1115 or go to www.westportct.gov.

Westport residents Robert and Donna Bonafide cast their absentee ballots at Town Hall. Donna Bonafide said, “we want to avoid the long lines on election day.”  According to Ruth Cavayero, deputy Town Clerk, 9,876 absentee ballots were issued and 7,353 (over 74%) were completed and submitted as of Oct 27 (there are 23,752 registered voters in Westport). Cavayero said the party count is as follows: Democrat – 5,162 issued and 4,122 received; Republican – 1,550 issued and 1,071 received. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Illuminated message: VOTE, on a barn on Cross Highway. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn Miller for WestportNow.com