Posted 10-28-04

To All Clerks:

I am pleased to see that there is a mechanism in place to detect duplicate presidential ballot voters, as I had suggested at the Spring conference.
Jeff Garfield Executive Director and General Counsel State Elections Enforcement Commission

Posted 10-27-04

Mike Kozik has prepared an excel spreadsheet for us to keep track of Presidential Ballots and Overseas ballots.  This will help us organize them in an electronic form and also allow us to transmit the data to the elections division so they can check for duplicate voting.  Please download the instruction sheet.  There are two excel spreadsheet, one in excel 2000 and the other is excel 97.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Presidential and Overseas Ballot Spreadsheet Instructions

Presidential and Overseas Ballot Spreadsheet - Excel 2000

Presidential and Overseas Ballot Spreadsheet - Excel 97

Posted 10-26-04

10-26-04

To My Fellow Clerks:

Just a note with one week and counting….

HANG IN THERE! I realize how busy you all are and I know that this Election Day will be very trying on all of us and our office staff, but we can do it!

I know that the Connecticut Town Clerks’ Association will provide outstanding service to our citizens on Election Day, and despite the obstacles and difficulties you will no doubt encounter, they will be handled with professionalism and courtesy to our public!

I have received calls from many of you over the past several days, either to discuss options on Election Day, or to tell me a story about your experiences to date.  I enjoy them all and while we are all so busy, you know that I am always open to hearing your thoughts.

Your Executive Board realizes we still have lots of work to do legislatively and we will continue to strive for better laws to help us all through this process the next time around!

Thank you all for you hard work and dedication to your offices, and I would like to end with this quote from Theodore Roosevelt which I think is quite appropriate for all of us…… “Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, “Certainly, I can”

---and get busy and find out how to do  it.”

Let’s get busy, and good luck to you all on Election Day!

Sandra Hutton

President, C.T.C.A.

10-22-04

Congratulations to Sheila S. Sedlack, Town Clerk of Winchester, CT who has been awarded the designation of "Certified Municipal Clerk" (CMC) from IIMC.  Sheila has been employed with the Town of Winchester since December 1992, serving as Assistant Town Clerk before elected to her current position of Town Clerk in January of 2000.  She attained her designation as CMC by attending courses and seminars conducted by the Connecticut Town Clerks Association.

Congratulations to Marsha A. Motter, Town Clerk of Monroe, CT who has been awarded the designation of "Certified Municipal Clerk" (CMC) from IIMC.  Marsha attained her certification by attending courses and seminars conducted by the Connecticut Town Clerks Association and the New England Municipal Clerks Institute at Salve Regina University.  She has been Town Clerk in Monroe since 1999.

Congratulations to Joseph V. Camposeo, CMC, Town Clerk of Manchester, CT who has been accepted as a member in the Master Municipal Clerk Academy Program of IIMC.  Joe as been the Town Clerk of Manchester since 1996 and serves as First Vice-President  and Legislative Chairman of the Connecticut Town Clerks Association.  He has attained membership by attending classes of continuing education through the Connecticut Town Clerks Association.

Posted 10-16-04

Election Question: Is the SOS office going to print new ED-71's oversea ballots in light of this change?

Answer: Yes, we are reprinting the overseas (provisional) ballots.Arthur Champagne,  Elections Officer

Election Question: In the Provisional Ballot instructions it says that the voter must first execute a written affirmation at the polling place affirming that he/she is qualified to vote in the election and has neither voted in this election in person or by absentee ballot. Has anyone asked if the voter has to write this affidavit from scratch or if a form can be provided to the moderators for the voter to sign?

Answer: The required affirmation is printed on the Provisional Ballot Envelope (ED-250) in English and Spanish. You should have received the envelopes by now. If you haven't, please call me. Arthur Champagne, Elections Officer

Posted 10-13-04

The lawsuit regarding same day registration against the SOTS has been setttled.  More details to follow as we get them.

Posted 10-12-04

October 12, 2004

To     Town Clerks of Towns Within the Third Congressional District

Re:    Lists of Candidates

Ralph Anthony Ferrucci was certified this afternoon by the Green Party to fill their vacancy in nomination in the third congressional district.  We have amended the list of candidates for your town to include Mr. Ferrucci.  The amended list(s) are enclosed.  Please amend your ballots by the use of opaque stickers or by reprinting.

If we can be of further assistance please contact us at (860) 509-6100.

Sincerely yours,

Susan Bysiewicz

Secretary of the State

 Arthur E. Champagne, Elections Officer

Legislation & Elections Administration Division

Posted 10-8-04

Election question: It says that the Provisional Ballots are serial numbered but that line is blank on the envelope. Do you know if we are to put numbers on them or is that up to the Registrars or Moderator?

Posted 10-4-04

I found a great resource last week at the Durham Fair.  It is called the Connecticut Digital Library and you can access it with your library card at www.iconn.org. Check it out!

The iCONN is part of the Connecticut Education Network. It provides all students, faculty and residents with online access to essential library and information resources. It is administered by the Connecticut State Libraryin conjunction with the Department of Higher Education. Through iCONN, a core level of information resources including secured access to licensed databases is available to every citizen in Connecticut. In addition, specialized research information is available to college students and faculty.

iCONN began in 2000 when the Connecticut General Assemblyprovided funding for the purchase of licensed information databases for Connecticut's libraries, schools and colleges. The Digital Library was one of several recommendations of then- Lieutenant Governor M. Jodi Rellin the Fall of 1999.

The Goals of iCONN are:

• To ensure universal access to a core level of library and information resources for every resident of Connecticut through their public library, school, college, and from home.
• To help provide necessary information resources to every school in Connecticut so that all students are prepared to function in an information society.
• To provide information resources to the increasing number of students taking advantage of on-line courses at Connecticut's colleges and universities.
• To enhance the quality of teaching, research and education at Connecticut's colleges and universitiesby supporting online information resources.
• To support the information needs of all Connecticut citizens.

Posted 10-1-04

To All Town Clerks:  How many presidential ballots did you really use in 2000?  We have just discovered that some towns mayb have under-reported the number of presidential ballots they actually issued in 2000.  We used the Absentee Ballot Disposition forms filed after the 2000 election to figure out how many presidential ballots and supplies to send each of you this year.  Several towns reported only presidential ballots they received directly from the SOTS, not ones they copied themselves on election day.

Please recheck your 2000 Absentee Ballot Disposition forms.  If you did not report the FULL number of Presidential Ballots ISSUED, please call IMMEDIATELY email your TOWN NAME: and TOTAL number of Presidential Ballots ACTUALLY ISSUED in 2000: T ted.bromley@po.state.ct.us

Since  I can not be sure of the scope of the problem, I am trying to get another 50,000 Presidential Ballots and other supplies before the election  Thank you for your help.

Michael T. Kozik, Managing Attorney, Legislation and Election Administration Division, SOTS

Posted 10-1-04

Posted 10-1-04

ATTENTION ALL FELLOW CLERKS!!

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS VITAL TO THIS ELECTION AND THE PRESIDENTIAL BALLOTING PROCESS.  PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY AND RESPOND QUICKLY!

I WOULD ASK ALL COUNTY V.P’S TO FAX THIS TO THOSE WITHOUT E-MAIL IMMEDIATELY.

This pertains to the lawsuit filed against the Secretary of the State’s Office and the State of Connecticut regarding Election Day Registration or EDR.

On Wednesday, September 29, a lawsuit was filed in Federal Court, Connecticut jurisdiction regarding EDR.

On Thursday, September 30, 2004 I was contacted by the Attorney General’s Office as President of the C.T.C.A.  We are being asked to testify as an organization and I have to attend a meeting this Tuesday, October 5th.

The group that filed the suit wants EDR implemented immediately for this election!

The State is taking the position that time is too short and it could become the same type of situation we had 4 years ago with respect to Presidential Ballots.  We all know that you cannot compare the two situations.

What I need to know from you as Clerks is what position you would like the CTCA to take.  We have gone on the record as stating we are in favor of EDR because it eliminates Presidential Ballots and encourages the true voting process. 

That said, here are the options you need to choose from to keep this as quick and simple as possible:

1.                   100% in favor of EDR for this Presidential Election. (Keep in mind this could mean that some of our own Clerks will register people to vote instead of issuing Presidential Ballots)

2.                   In favor of EDR, but the CTCA cannot take a position on the time frame to implement the process as that is not our primary job function.

3.                   In favor of EDR, but time is too short for this election to implement properly.

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE ABOVE AND FORWARD ME YOUR RESPONSES.  TRY TO KEEP ANY COMMENTS SHORT, AS I WILL BE COMPILING THE DATA FOR MY MEETING THIS TUESDAY AT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE.

NOTE:     THE CTCA HAS ALSO BEEN ASKED TO TESITY FOR THE GROUP THAT FILED THE LAWSUIT.  THEY ARE VERY AWARE THAT EDR SOLVES OUR PROBLEM OF PRESIDENTIAL BALLOTS! PLEASE RESPOND QUICKLY!

Sandra Hutton, President CTCA

Posted 9-30-04

September 30, 2004

T       All Third Congressional District Town Clerks

ADVISORY NOTICE

We have been notified by the Chairman, New Haven Green Party that the Green Party, in accordance with the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) § 9-460, will meet on October 6, 2004 to nominate a candidate to fill their vacancy in nomination for the Third Congressional District.  We therefore expect a nomination to fill that vacancy by the end of next week and will advise you if and when it happens.  Such nomination will require you to correct all ballots that you have not yet issued, either by stickering or reprinting. 

Until we notify you, you should continue to issue your most recently printed ballots.

If we can be of further assistance please contact us at (860) 509-6100.

Sincerely yours,

Susan Bysiewicz

Secretary of the State

Michael Kozik, Managing Attorney

Legislation & Elections Administration Division 

Posted 9-30-04

                                                                                                September 23, 2004

To All Town Clerks and Registrars of Voters

PRESIDENTIAL BALLOTS

This memorandum is intended to address the procedures to be used when administering Presidential Ballots during the November 2, 2004 general election.

Eligibility for Presidential Ballots

To be eligible for a Presidential Ballot in Connecticut the individual must: (1) be a United States citizen, (2) be at least 18 years old, (3) be a resident or former resident of the town in Connecticut in which the individual is applying for a Presidential Ballot, and (4) not have had their electoral privileges forfeited because of a disfranchising crime.

To be a resident of Connecticut the individual must have a bona fide residence of a town in Connecticut.

To be a former resident of Connecticut the individual must have had a bona fide residence of a town in Connecticut and must have moved from that town less than thirty days before the day of a presidential election and because of that move must be unable to register to vote for the election in his present town or state of residence.

The individuals must not be registered to vote in any town in Connecticut or in any other state and must not have voted or plan to vote in the election in any other town in Connecticut or in any other state.

There is no requirement that a Presidential Ballot Voter register as a condition of getting a Presidential Ballot.  However, a Presidential Ballot voter could be offered the opportunity to register, if time and circumstances permit, but the Town Clerk is not required to do so.

Presidential Ballot Application

Presidential Ballots are available from the Town Clerk (1) in the Town Clerk’s office during the weeks and days leading up to Election Day, and (2) in the Town Clerk’s office or alternate location on Election Day.  In addition to the eligibility information above, the applicant will have to supply identification with their Presidential Ballot application.  This is a new requirement for 2004.  With each application the applicant must provide either: (1) a current and valid photo identification, or (2) a copy of a recent utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.  The address on such identification must show a current address in the town in which the individual is voting by Presidential Ballot. 

Once received, the clerk must be satisfied that the individual applicant is qualified to vote.  An individual is qualified if such individual meets the eligibility requirements set forth above, including the requirement that their name not appear on the official registry list of the town in which they apply for a Presidential Ballot.

Issuing Presidential Ballots

Residents or former residents of Connecticut may apply for a Presidential Ballot not earlier than 45 days before the election and not later than the close of the polls on Election Day.

The Connecticut General Statutes §9-174 defines the term “close of the polls” as “…the polls shall remain open for voting from six o’clock a.m. until eight o’clock p.m.  No elector shall be permitted to cast his vote after the hour prescribed for the closing of the polls in any election unless such elector is in line at eight o’clock p.m.”  (Emphasis Added).  Although we realize that the town clerk’s office or other designated location is not a “polling place” the law governing Presidential Ballots specifically states that the ballots shall be received not later than the close of the polls.

Although the General Statutes require that Presidential Ballots be issued up until the close of the polls on Election Day (thereby requiring the town clerk’s office to be open until at least eight o’clock p.m.) they do not require the town clerk’s office to be open at the opening of the polls (at six o’clock a.m.).  However, this office would highly recommend that the town clerks in each town seriously consider opening at six o’clock a.m. on Election Day to issue Presidential Ballots.

Finally, it is recommended that each town clerk arrange to have an election official or police officer stand at the end any line that may be formed outside of the town clerk’s office or other location at eight o’clock p.m.  This is a similar procedure to that conducted at each polling location.

Ballot Procedures

The town clerk shall prepare and keep an alphabetical list of all persons who applied as presidential or overseas voters, including names, voting addresses, application dates, and serial numbers for return envelopes.

Upon receipt of an application for Presidential Ballot the Town Clerk shall forthwith notify the Registrars of Voters of the applicant’s name, with a notation designating the person as voting for presidential and vice-presidential electors only.  The Clerk may make a copy of the presidential ballot application and forward that to the Registrars as notification.  If the name of a former resident appears on the registry list, the Registrar shall insert the letter “pf” in the margin.  The Registrar shall prepare a list of names and addresses of presidential voters whose names and do not appear on the registry list, for each voting district.  Such list shall accompany the checklist (which will also indicate those individuals who are residents and who have applied for a Presidential Ballot) to each polling location to be used at such election.  The Registrar of Voters shall ascertain the voting district in which each Presidential Ballot Voter is registered, resides or formerly resided and shall apportion the envelopes according to voting district for purposes of counting ballots.  The ballots and checklists will then be delivered to the official absentee ballot counters for counting in accordance with the relevant absentee ballot counting procedures.

The Town Clerk shall file each duplicate application or other official information received from another state or town in this state of a person who has made application to vote at a presidential election, and shall maintain an alphabetical list of such information for 180 days after the election.  The Clerk shall compare each such application with applications made, and after the election, ascertain that any such person has not voted more than once.

Town Clerks are not required to check a presidential applicant’s name on the statewide voter registry system.  However, the Town Clerk should utilize the last completed registry list provided to them by the Registrar of Voters to ensure that the applicant’s name is not on the list of voters.  An applicant that is registered should be directed to go to their polling place to cast a full ballot.

Except as modified by the Presidential Ballot statute (as described in this memo), absentee ballot procedures apply to Presidential Ballots.  Thus, Presidential Ballots should be included in the Noon, 6PM, and final absentee ballot counts.

Location of Casting Presidential Ballots

Presidential ballot applications and ballots shall be returned t (1) the Town Clerk’s Office or (2) on Election Day such materials can be processed and returned to a location designated by the Town Clerk in a municipal facility.  This location may not be a designated polling location used during the election. 

In addition, the town clerk may appoint one or more presidential ballot assistants to serve at such location.  The town clerk is responsible for training and supervising such presidential ballot assistants.  Any questions regarding the hiring of personnel or the use of such personnel in the town clerk’s office on days other than Election Day should be address at the local level.     

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes, the alternate presidential ballot location established by the town clerk is not a polling place.  Therefore, the 75-foot limitation established by Connecticut General Statutes §9-236 would not apply to the alternate presidential ballot location.

Posted 9-30-04

Dear Town Clerks

It is time to consider hosting 2 Chinese Interns from the Shandong Scholar program associated with CCSU.  About a dozen of us did it last year and had a great experience. Not only did we get some extra help in our office, but it was a wonderful cultural exchange for us.  This won't happen until the 3rd week of November so you don't have to worry about the election.

Contact Ed Rbycyk at the number below if you or anyone at your town hall are interested.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Internship for the Shandong Scholars

Q.        What is the purpose of the internship?

A.        The internship is the third part of a comprehensive program conducted by the U.S.-China Business Center at Central Connecticut State University for the People’s Republic of China.  The first phase was an intensive English language training program for a one month period at Central Connecticut State University.  The second phase was a series of seminars on topics of American culture and business practices in Public Administration.  This phase was a three month period.  The final phase is an internship where the Chinese professional can observe the practices learned in the classroom.  The internship placement is designed to be similar to their field of work back home. There are also many field trips both cultural and business visitations throughout the program. 

The purpose of the program is three fold. First, it is to study American business practices and build English language skills.  Secondly, it is to conduct research into best business practices and write a research paper.  Lastly, it is to make business connections in the State of Connecticut for future mutual economic development.

Q.        How long is the internship?

A.        The internship will begin on November 22, 2004 and conclude January 20, 2005.  There will be a two week break for the weeks of December 20^th and 27^th during the Christmas and New Year holidays. 

Q.        How many hours a day and days a week does an intern work?

A.        Interns will begin work at 9:00 a.m. and work until 3:00 p.m. with your normal break for lunch.  Interns will work on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Q.        Is the intern paid for their work and by whom?

A.        Interns are not paid for their work.

Q.        Is my agency (company) paid to sponsor an intern?

A.        No.  However, the direct supervisor of the intern will be invited to the graduation luncheon in late January of 2005.

Q.        What if the intern needs special equipment for their assignment?

A.        Contact the Program Administrator and the equipment, within reason, can be purchased by the program.

Q.        Who is responsible for transportation?

A.        The program is responsible for transportation to and from the work site.  Some students will have cars.  If travel during the work day is required, please contact the Program Administrator.

Q.        What type of work can an intern do?

A.        It is recommended that the student shadow the supervisor in the early stages of the internship.  As the intern becomes more familiar with the scope of the work, a project of minor depth can be assigned.

Q.        What is the background of the students?

A.        All are high level government officials from the province of Shandong in the People’s Republic of China.  The State of Connecticut has had a Sister-State relationship with the province of Shandong for over twenty years.

Q.        Do the students speak English well?

A.        Most are conversant in English.  Their level of skill, both written and spoken will vary from individual to individual.

Q.        What is the process of internship placement?

A.        Interns express an interest in a particular agency or company which is most similar to their line of work in China.  That organization is then contacted to determine if there is mutual interest.  Intern resume(s) are sent to the organization and an interview is scheduled.  Placement occurs upon the sponsoring organization’s acceptance.

Q.        What if a problem occurs with an intern?

A.        In the unlikely event that this should happen, immediately contact the Program Administrator.

Q.        Who are the contact people for this program?

A.        The program is sponsored by:

            U.S.-China Business Center

            Central Connecticut State University

            Marcus White Hall, Room 205

            1615 Stanley Street

            New Britain, CT 06050

            Edward J. Rybczyk, Ed.D.

            Managing Director

            Phone            (860) 832-1919

Fax            (860) 832-1894

E-mail            rybczyke@ccsu.edu

Summer Spaderna

Program Administrator

Phone            (860) 832-1891

E-mail            spadernas@ccsu.edu   

Name List of Trainees from Shandong in CCSU  

23  members    From July 27 to January 26, 2005

Name	Sex	Date of Birth	Work unit and Position
Ni Mingyuan	M	Jan.22, 1957	Vice Director-General, General office of Shandong Provincial Government
Lei Jie	F	Jun.30, 1962	Vice Mayor of Jinan City
Shi Jin	M	Mar.31, 1958	Vice Director-General, Overseas Chinese Office of Shandong Provincial Government
Li Chuanqian	M	Oct.28, 1963	Deputy Director of Professional and Technical Personnel Management Division of Personnel Department of Shandong Province
Lin Qiang	M	Jan.30, 1968	Chairman of Weihai Municipal Youth Federation
Jia Shaoyong	M	Jun.15, 1955	Vice Mayor of Liaocheng City
Zhang Xueyan	F	Jan.07, 1957	Vice Director-General of Shandong Provincial Labor and Social Security Department
Yu Fuhua	M	Mar.12, 1963	Vice Director-General of Shandong Provincial Health Department
Lei Tiantai	M	Oct.11, 1964	Head of Tianqiao District Government, Jinan City
Xu Wanmin	M	Oct.24, 1958	President of Social Science Academy of Qingdao City
Yang Liuxing	M	Mar.31, 1969	Chairman of Zaozhuang Municipal Youth Federation
Zhao Changzheng	M	Jun.22, 1965	Director –General of Administration of the State-Level Nature Protection Area of the Yellow River Delta of Shandong
Liu Zhonghui	M	Nov.02, 1962	Mayor of Shouguang City
Zhou Guiping	F	Dec.30, 1963	Magistrate of Wenshang County
Zhao Dejian	M	Mar.14, 1972	Chairman of Tai’an Municipal Youth Federation
Zheng Jiagui	M	Jan.29, 1963	Director of  Agriculture Bureau of Rizhao City
Hu Shangshan	M	Aug.10, 1961	Director of Secretary Division of Shandong Provincial Supervision Department
Guan Zhaoquan	M	Feb.24, 1963	Director of Laws and Regulations Division of Shandong Provincial Development and Planning Commission
Sun Qingguo	M	Nov.22, 1962	Director of Enterprises Division of Shandong Provincial Finance Department
Tian Yuguo	M	Aug.27, 1962	Vice Director –General of Traffic Management Bureau of Shandong Provincial Public Security Department
Xie Feng	M	Nov.22, 1955	Director of Technology Standard Division of Shandong Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau
Pan Haoliang	M	Mar.19, 1962	Director of the General Affairs Division of Shandong Provincial Restructuring Office
Zhang Aijun	F	Nov.01, 1964	Vice Chairman of Jinan Municipal Youth Federation

Posted 9-30-04

Question: How should we get the  new names to those we sent blank ballots?

Posted 9-30-04

Question: The Libertarian web-site indicates Badnarik and Campagna were nominated at their convention in May 2004. How could Nolan withdraw, he was never the candidate?

Posted 9-30-04

Question: Will I receive new Presidential and Over Seas Ballots from the State?

Posted 9-30-04

Posted 9-30-04

Posted 9-29-04

September 28, 2004

To      All Town Clerks

The Libertarian Party candidates for president and vice-president, Gary Nolan and Kenneth Mosher, have withdrawn as candidates.  In accordance with the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) § 9-460, the Libertarian Party has issued a letter of endorsement for Michael Badnarik and Richard Campagna as candidates for the office of president and vice-president respectively.  Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of that statute, it will be necessary to change all of your ballots to include:

                        Badnarik and Campagna

                       as candidates of the Libertarian Party for the offices of president and vice-president.

Please recall that printed absentee ballots are to become available on Friday, October 1^st.  It is very important that said ballots are not delayed.  Therefore, if reprinted ballots are not available and it is not feasible to place opaque stickers with the new names over the old names on already printed ballots, you should issue the ballots already printed until ballots with the new names become available.

If we can be of further assistance please contact us at (860) 509-6100.

Sincerely yours,

Susan Bysiewicz

Secretary of the State

Michael Kozik, Managing Attorney

Legislation & Elections Administration Division 

Posted 9-29-04

Please visit the Document Directory page of this website and view the sample  monthly newsletter that Trumbell Town Clerk Suzanne Burr Monaco distributes in her town.  She pays personally for the printing and puts them on countertops all over town.  She also has it on her municipal website.  Good Job Suzanne and thanks for sharing.

Posted 9-18-04

Congratulations to Linda M. Dudek, CMC, Assistant Town Clerk of the Town of Killingworth who has been accepted as a member in the Master Municipal Clerk Academy Program.  Linda has been employed by the Town of Killingworth since 1991.

Posted 9-15-04

Congratulations to Sandra M. Wieleba, assistant town clerk and records manager for Wethersfield who has been named East Hampton's third clerk in 60 years.
 

Posted 9-8-04

Posted 9-8-04

Congratulations to Karen Gaudreau, East Windsor, Town Clerk who was awarded the prestigious designation of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) from IIMC.  Also, let's join Karen in sending a warm welcome to her new Assistant Christina Davis who will begin her new job on September 13th.

Posted 9-7-04

Click here to view a list of vendors scheduled to attend the CTCA Fall Conference in Stamford, CT on September 15-17.