ONE WEEK LEFT - REGISTER ONLINE TO VOTE

MERRILL: JUST ONE WEEK TO REGISTER ONLINE TO VOTE BEFORE NOVEMBER 4, 2014 GENERAL ELECTION

SECRETARY OF THE STATE REMINDS VOTERS THAT ONLINE AND MAIL-IN REGISTRATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 21ST; MORE THAN 23,000 CT VOTERS HAVE USED ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM SINCE FEBRUARY

HARTFORD: Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today reminded eligible voters in Connecticut with driver’s license that they have just one more week to go online to register to vote if they wish to cast a ballot in the November 4, 2014 general election.   Secretary Merrill is encouraging every eligible Connecticut voter with a driver’s license to go online at htpps://voterregistration.ct.gov to register to vote securely and quickly. Since online voter registration in Connecticut launched in February of 2014, more than 23,000 voters have used the system to either become new voters or change their voter registration.  The online voter registration processed can also be accessed through mobile apps available on either Google Play or the Apple app store.  For any eligible voters in Connecticut, the deadline to register either online or through the mail is Tuesday October 21st; and the final deadline to register to vote in-person at town or city offices is Tuesday October 28th. 

“We are now approaching some key voter registration deadlines, and I want to encourage any eligible voter in our state with a driver’s license to go online and register to vote,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s top elections official.  “Online voter registration is so easy and convenient, you can even do it from your smartphone or tablet.  But anyone who wants to register online to vote must sign up by Tuesday October 21st in order to vote November 4th.  I urge every eligible voter: don’t sit on the sidelines.  Critical decisions about our state and federal government will be made by the people we elect to represent us Election Day.  Make sure your voice is heard and register to vote!”

Since online voter registration in Connecticut launched in February of this year, some 23,438 state voters have used the system, including 18,017 new voter registrations and another 5,421 voters who have changed or updated their voter registration status.  Secretary Merrill urges any U.S. citizen aged 18 or over to go online at www.sots.ct.gov/votewww.sots.ct.gov/vote to find out if they are registered to vote, register to vote, find out where their polling place is located, or download an application for an absentee ballot if they will be out of town or physically unable to be in their polling place on Election Day Tuesday November 4, 2014.  Polls will be open that day from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. statewide for the general election.

GLAD to have Met You

Thank you Lee Swislow   Dear Tessa, My friend and colleague Lee Swislow has overseen GLAD with skill, finesse, and vision since 2005. Lee Swislow will retire as GLAD's Executive Director when she turns 65 next April. Lee will celebrate her 65th birthday next April, and when she does, she will also embark on a new adventure: retirement. Lee has led GLAD to major advances in LGBT rights, from the spread of marriage equality across New England to spearheading the fight to bring down the federal Defense of Marriage Act, to winning the right of transgender people to deduct transition-related medical expenses from their taxes, to name only a few recent victories. And if you've had the opportunity to talk to Lee over the past eight years, you know that she brings incredible wisdom, patience, and passion to her role in guiding GLAD's critical work. As I work with my fellow board members to plan a thoughtful search for our next Executive Director, I am both sad to see Lee go and excited for the future. Our next leader will guide GLAD into a new era, as we attack ongoing and vitally important issues, such as transgender rights, the quality of life of LGBTQ youth and elders, ending the scourge of HIV, and so much more. I know we will find exactly the right person to lead GLAD's next phase. And with the work of our dedicated, talented staff - and your invaluable ongoing support - we will continue our strong and steady progress toward our shared goal of equal justice under law for all. Fortunately, we have several more months to benefit from Lee's stellar leadership, and ample opportunity to express our gratitude for her years of incredible service. Please join me in thanking Lee for all she's done for GLAD and for our community - and in wishing her well as she prepares for this next adventure. Sincerely,   Dianne Phillips President, Board of Directors Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders