Redding 2021 Local Elections: Candidates, Polling Places, Hours

REDDING, CT — Redding residents will head to the polls on Nov. 2 to cast votes for the municipal election. The position of first selectman, selectman, town clerk, and spots on the boards of education, finance and more are all up for grabs.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 2. Voters who are in line before 8 p.m. will be able to vote even after the deadline passes. You can find your poll location at the Secretary of the State website by inputting your information.

You can request an absentee ballot here or you can visit your town clerk's office. All voters are eligible to check the top box that lists "COVID-19" as a reason for requesting an absentee ballot.

In Redding, Democratic First Selectman Julia Pemberton is running for a fifth term against Republican challenger John Shaban. For selectman, the Democrats are fielding Peg O'Donnell, and the Republicans, Michael Thompson.

Voters may select up to two candidates for the opening on the Finance Board, and three are running. Republican Ward Mazzucco is guaranteed a seat because of party minority representation rules. That places the race between Democrat Christopher Parkin and Karen Gifford, who has been endorsed by both parties.

Michele Grande, W. Wesley Higgins and Patricia Moisio are also endorsed by both parties and running unopposed for town clerk, treasurer and tax collector, respectively.

Residents will choose two candidates from among Republicans Julie Hardridge and John Belfatto, and Democrats Chirag Sadana and Laura Gibbons, for seats on the Board of Education.

The contest for a position on the Board of Assessment Appeals is between Republican Gregory Stackpole and Democrat Margi Esten.

Redding voters are choosing three candidates for the Planning Commission, and only three are running: Democrat Roger Van Ausdal, and Republicans Anda Cumings and Steven Gagnon.

There are two positions open on the Zoning Commission, and just two candidates: Democrat Amy Atamian and Republican William Miller. Likewise, Democrat Scott Smith and Republican Jill Cilo are the only candidates vying for the two open slots on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Someone is going home a loser in the Regional Board of Education race, however. Democrats Cheryl Graziano and Gwen Denny, and Republican Shawn Alexander, are competing for two open positions.

Six candidates — Democrats Mary Ann Carman, Jeffrey Boxer, Lorcan O'Connor; Republicans Urs Furrer and William Cook; and the Green Party's Leif Smith, are vying for four openings as constable.

Return to Patch for results as they come in. Subscribe to free Redding News Alerts for election results.