In Trumbull, The Votes Are In

Trumbull has another trophy to put on its wall.

With 48 percent voter turnout, the town recently received a large silver trophy from the state.

Trumbull was recognized for having the highest voter turnout for a municipality of its population level, which was designated “large-sized,” having between 15,000 and 49,999 registered voters. 

The Democracy Cup is co-sponsored by the East Haddam Civic Association as a way of encouraging higher voter participation. Scot Mackinnon, co-founder of the Democracy Cup and member of the Association was also on hand for the presentation.

State reps. T. R. Rowe (R-123) and Tony Hwang (R-134) joined State Rep. Larry Miller (R-122) as First Selectman Tim Herbst was presented the Democracy Cup by Secretary of State Denise Merrill. 

"It is a tremendous honor and source of great community pride that Trumbull won for the highest level of participation in our population category," said Hwang, who serves as Ranking Member on the legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee. "I encourage all of our eligible voters to participate in our democratic process of voting in future elections."

"Trumbull's voters should be proud of the relatively high voter turn-out this past election,” Rowe said. “Of course, we look forward to the day when we are celebrating turnout far in excess of the 48 percent who participated last year. We also should thank our Registrars and Assistant Registrars, as well as our Town Clerk, and her assistants, all of whom work diligently throughout the year to ensure Trumbull's elections run smoothly, and everyone has the opportunity to vote." 

According to a press release, the statewide average voter turnout in the 2011 municipal elections was 30.81 percent, and the lower than normal average was attributed to transportation difficulties following the October snowstorm that brought widespread power outages across Connecticut.      

Trumbull last won the Democracy Cup in 2001. Other municipalities that won in their divisions this year are Waterbury (city), Middlebury (mid-sized town) and Hampton (Small-sized town).

State Sen. Anthony Musto added, "I'm glad Trumbull was recognized for voter participation, but 48% is still too low. I would hope everyone who has the right - indeed, the privilege - to vote will make every effort to do so, and have a say in how their town, state and federal governments are run. In that vein, I support early voting and other initiatives recently suggested by the Secretary of State to maximize voter participation."