Fairfield Recognized With Democracy Cup Award For Strong Voter Turnout Percentage

FAIRFIELD, CT — With a voter turnout percentage during the November 2025 municipal election, Fairfield has been awarded the Secretary of State's Democracy Cup for the City category.

Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas presented the award to Fairfield during a ceremony Thursday at the Fairfield Regional Fire School.

"Every day, I think about how we can make it easier and more meaningful for people to participate in our representative democracy, and it’s not just about policy," Thomas said in prepared remarks. "Turnout depends on the dedication of local election officials who ensure every election runs smoothly. From maintaining accurate voter rolls to educating voters and providing options like early voting, their work makes it possible for every eligible resident to have their voice heard."

For the November 2025 municipal election, which did not have a First Selectperson's race, Fairfield's voter turnout was 44.22 percent, edging out Danbury, which had a turnout of 41.80 percent.

Statewide voter turnout last year was 36.42 percent.

This is the second time Fairfield has won the Democracy Cup, but the last time was for the Large Town category. The City category is for municipalities with more than 65,000 residents.

Norwalk, Thomas' hometown, came in third place in the City category with a turnout of 37.43 percent. Thomas and Fairfield First Selectperson Christine Vitale made a friendly bet that both communities would shoot for 50 percent or higher turnouts in the 2027 municipal elections.

"Winning the Democracy Cup trophy last year in the Large Town category was an honor," Vitale said. "Winning it again this year in the City category as our population surpassed 65,000 makes it even more special. Fairfield has a strong history of civic participation in elections. We are proud to be a community where voters turn out to be sure their voices are heard, keeping our local democracy strong."

In addition to Thomas and Vitale, Thursday's ceremony was also attended by state Sen. Tony Hwang and state Reps. Jennifer Leeper, Sarah Keitt and Cristin McCarthy Vahey; Fairfield League of Women Voters President Joan Huff; Town Clerk Betsy Browne; and Registrars of Voters Cathy Politi and Matt Waggner.