Get Out and Vote

Some went before work, others took time from their lunch break. Some stole a minute in the afternoon, while others waited until work was out and dinner was done to make their way to one of the three voting locations in Haddam and Higganum to cast their vote in the August 14th primary.

The consensus from those that did get out and vote is that those that didn’t vote, don’t have the right to complain about the state of the state or the country.

“The country is falling apart,” said Tom Liguori. “It's people's duty to come out and vote, especially if they are complaining about the economy.”

Building on those thoughts, Dawn Tarbetsky, who has lived in Haddam for the past 29 years and has always made it a point to get out and vote, said “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to vote so we should all make sure we take advantage of that privilege. Basically, in short, it is our right as citizens and if you don’t vote, you don’t voice your opinion.”

Patrick Craig, who describe himself as being “ferocious” when it comes to his opinion on people who make excuses as to why they didn’t vote said, “A lot of people sacrificed so we could have the right to vote so we should all use that right.”

Taking action to practice what he preaches, before Craig went to vote Tuesday evening, he called his children as well as several other friends and family members reminding them to get out and use their right.

“I don’t see a whole lot of excuses cutting it as to why someone doesn’t vote and I honestly think it is sad to think that someone doesn’t care enough to get out and just do it. It is a very important right. I know that there are not always people to vote for that are great, but the point is we have to choose who we think is the best of what’s available because who is in office has a huge impact on industry, jobs, health care and everything else in this country.”

Craig added, “I hear a lot of people complaining about the economy right now, I hope each of those people voted today; it would be a shame if they didn’t.”

According to Democratic Registrar Carolyn Twomey and Republican Registrar Ray Skasten, voter turnout at the Higganum Firehouse location was comparable to past years.

“August isn’t the best month to try to get voters out, but in November we usually have a line out the door when we get here in the morning,” said Twomey.

Election Official Susan Rutty, who was on site from 5 a.m. to closing at 8 p.m., said there was a wide range in resident ages that came out for this primary. Something she was very pleased to see.

“It’s always good to see people getting out to vote, especially the young people, and a great day to see neighbors and friends,” added Rutty.

“The people who regularly work at the polls look forward to these days and we would encourage more people to get involved.”