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Voters in North Stonington face uncertainty as early voting issue leaves ballots unaccounted for
3 mins read

Voters in North Stonington face uncertainty as early voting issue leaves ballots unaccounted for

NORTH STONINGTON, CT (WFSB) – Early voters faced a significant question in North Stonington, where more than 200 ballots remain unaccounted for just one day before Election Day due to a misunderstanding about the signature requirements on absentee ballots.

During the early voting period, approximately 1,100 ballots were submitted without the required signatures on the envelopes.

City officials reported that more than 800 voters have successfully corrected their ballots, but a troubling number still need to resolve the issue before the polls close on Tuesday.

Long lines formed at the early voting center on Sunday, with many residents trying to get their ballots fixed.

“I got a call yesterday saying if I didn’t sign the back of the outside (envelope) – which they told me I didn’t have to – that my vote won’t count,” said resident Don Corbin.

Local officials acknowledge that the confusion stemmed from a miscommunication regarding the new voting process.

Bob Carlson, North Stonington’s First Selectman, described the situation as an honest mistake.

“When you roll out a new process, there are bound to be growing pains,” he said.

Carlson confirmed that the unsigned ballots will be discarded and those affected will have to re-vote.

However, the city has yet to decide how to deal with the ballots for those who do not correct their submissions by the deadline.

The uncertainty surrounding the uncorrected ballots has raised concerns among local Republican leaders, particularly state Sen. Heather Somers.

Somers expressed that the situation may require legal action to ensure that all votes are counted.

“What it looks like is that there is a possibility that this will actually need a court action to be able to count those votes,” she said.

Senator Somers, along with other Republican lawmakers, has sent a letter to the Secretary of State’s office calling for the ballots to be counted despite the signature issue.

“We have not received a formal response yet, which is worrying and unacceptable,” she added.

As Election Day approaches, city leaders are urging concerned voters to act quickly.

Because there was no early voting available Monday, residents will need to visit polling places Tuesday to ensure their votes are counted.

Carlson emphasized the importance of resolving the issue, saying, “I would sleep better on Wednesday knowing that everyone’s vote counts.”

The Secretary of State’s office has acknowledged the situation, citing it as human error, and is working with local officials to find a solution.

Senator Somers highlighted the critical nature of every vote, especially in light of the early voting initiative aimed at making the process more accessible.

“It’s a real problem when we’re sitting here talking about how every vote counts,” she remarked. “One of the reasons for having early voting is to make it easier and yet people who came out to vote early may not vote early on the referendum issue now may not get their ballots counted and that is unacceptable in every way.”

As Election Day approaches, the fate of the uncorrected ballots remains uncertain, and local officials continue to seek a resolution.

Voters are encouraged to contact the election office to ensure their participation in the upcoming election.