Registrars Reverse Course: Westport Will Keep Original Election Polling Sites

WESTPORT, CT — Westport's Registrars of Voters Deborah Guskin-Greenberg and Maria L. Signore announced on Monday that they have reversed course and will not consolidate election polling sites in town from five to one.

Last week, the office announced a change from five polling sites in town to just Bedford Middle School for all upcoming elections, but pushback from residents has apparently convinced Guskin-Greenberg and Signore to change their minds.

"In response to the Press Release issued on July 8, and after carefully considering the feedback and concerns expressed by members of the Westport community, the Registrars of Voters and the Town Clerk have decided to return to the original polling places," the two wrote in a statement.

Westport's five original polling sites are: Saugatuck Elementary School, Greens Farms Elementary School, Long Lots School, Coleytown Middle School and the Westport Library.

Last week, Signore told Patch that convenience, security and the ability to reduce staff for elections prompted the decision to consolidate the polling sites. The office had even mailed a flyer to residents about the change.

"The reason why we made the decision to consolidate, was to provide an easier voter experience," Signore said. "Being in one place makes it easier to find the correct polling district. It also provides better parking and lighting for early or late hours."

On election days, the registrars use a staff of about 56 at the polls; if the consolidation had continued, Signore said the office would be able to reduce that staff to approximately 26.

Now with the decision to retain the original polling sites, registered voters in RTM districts 1 and 2 will continue to vote at Saugatuck Elementary School; voters in districts 3 and 8 will vote at Coleytown Middle School; districts 4 and 5 will vote at Greens Farms Elementary School; districts 6 and 7 will vote at Long Lots School; and district 9 will vote at the Westport Library.

"We appreciate the public's engagement throughout this process. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact the Registrars of Voters Office at (203) 341-1115 for additional information or clarification," Guskin-Greenberg and Signore wrote.