Democratic National Committee Chairman Jamie Harrison stopped by Hartford on Wednesday to try to drum up support for his party’s candidates.
“My friends, this election is about progress versus chaos, hope versus fear,” Harrison told reporters at Bushnell Park in Hartford.
This appearance highlights the efforts of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party with Election Day just over a month away.
Ben Proto, chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, said he is trying to build enthusiasm as candidates go door to door.
“Was you better four years ago than you are now?” Proto said. “The answer to that question is no. That’s why we need to change it.”
Mr. Harrison appealed for support for Vice President Kamala Harris and warned against sending former President Donald Trump back to the White House.
He also paid some attention to candidates in Connecticut, specifically pledging support for Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-5th District) and Rep. Joe Courtney (D-2nd District).
Proto said Republicans are also discussing the presidential race while campaigning. They also told voters that if they are dissatisfied with the direction of Connecticut, they should vote for a new representative.
Local election officials are preparing for a busy few weeks as both parties move forward with their campaigns.
Nearly 80% of voters in Connecticut cast a ballot in 2020. Middletown Democratic Registrar of Voters Patricia Alston expects turnout to be similarly high this year.
This is especially true in Connecticut, which is conducting early voting for the first time, with voting opening from Oct. 21 to Nov. 3, ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5.
“This is going to be very different. That’s one of the things we stress to people,” Alston said.
She said her staff knocks on doors on weekends to help people register to vote. She also held a seminar earlier this week for people concerned about the voting process.
She’s hoping the month ahead will be busy despite all the work that comes with it.
“They (voters) should research the candidates, make a decision and vote,” she said.
Voters should continue to research their ballot questions this year. They can decide whether to repeal provisions in the state constitution that limit who can vote absentee.
The current list of voters eligible for absentee voting includes active duty military, people with illnesses or disabilities, and voters who will be out of town on Election Day.
If voters approve the ballot question, lawmakers would set up a process for everyone to qualify for an absentee ballot.
Supporters of voting issues, including some Democrats, say they want no-excuse absentee voting, which would allow anyone to vote without going to a polling place.
Critics warn that this language is too broad and could effectively result in states mailing ballots to every voter.
