After Turning 18 A Day Late In 2021, Vernon Resident Can Finally Vote

VERNON, CT — Claire Santacroce walked into the Vernon Registrars of Voters office Tuesday to get her name on the rolls on the last day to sign up. The visit was both symbolic and ironic because she has had to wait a year to vote after turning 18 the day after the 2021 election.

"Oh my God ... it was so annoying," Santacroce said. "November 7 is my birthday and I really wanted to vote last year because there were so many issues I didn't agree with. With everything that has been happening in the world over the past few years, I wanted to put my vote in."

Now she can.

Santacroce filled out her paperwork Tuesday and smiled when she was finally certified as a voter.

She said she did not join a particular political party.

"I went unaffiliated," she said. "There are a lot of issues coming from both sides. I might be more toward Democratic, but there are things I agree with and also disagree with coming from the Democrats. So ... I'd rather stay neutral. I agree and disagree with issues on both sides."

Santacroce left the registrars office with a sample ballot, something she said she took as a supplement to the state electoral knowledge she already has. She said she will be heading to the polls in person in Vernon on Nov. 8, the day after she turns 19.

"I will be going to vote in person. I want to vote in person," she said. "I mean, I've waited a year to get my vote in and I can't wait."