Hamden registrars advise Select Board to opt out of early in‑person voting for May local election

The Hamden Select Board held a public hearing Feb. 9 on whether the town should offer early in‑person voting for the May local election. Veil Wiseman, speaking for the board of registrars and the town clerk, said the registrars concluded that providing early in‑person voting for the local election is “not cost effective,” citing historical turnout and the rate of returned mail ballots.

“Based on attendance and the return that we get with regard to mailing out apps and ballots and everything else, it just is cost prohibitive,” Wiseman said. The registrars contrasted demand for state primaries and fall state elections, which the town must accommodate, with lower turnout for local races.

Select Board members asked staff about differences between absentee ballots and early voting and whether the town controls the number of early‑voting days and hours. Registrars clarified that the annual opt‑out request applies only to local elections and that the town must provide state‑mandated early voting for state primary and general elections.

After the discussion the Select Board moved to accept the registrars’ recommendation not to offer early in‑person voting for the May local election. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: the board closed the public hearing and recorded the action. The town clerk will manage related notices and procedural filings required by state law.