Absentee Voting For All Is Now the Law

May 22, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Windham Town Manager
  • Absentee Voting For All
  • Memorial Day Weekend Event
  • Upcoming Willimantic Events
 

Let's Talk About It: Windham Town Manager

We had a fantastic conversation with Windham Town Manager Rob Zarnetske on my weekly radio show “Let’s Talk About It,” covering the hours at Town Hall, redevelopment projects, geothermal energy, and the challenges of our town budget.

Zarnetske stated with the updated Windham Town Hall schedule, which extended Thursday hours and closed the building on Fridays. While the change has frustrated some residents, he explained it has also improved operations for town staff.

We also talked about several redevelopment efforts underway in Windham. The Town is asking developers to provide their best ideas to revitalize the Kramer Building on Prospect Street. Early indications show the building could be used for student housing due to its proximity to Eastern Connecticut State University.

Just a few blocks away, crews will tear down the building at 85 Bridge Street near the Willimantic River after a huge fire in February caused the roof to collapse. Zarnetske says the future of the site is up in the air, but several options are on the table including converting the area into a small park.

The family-owned and operated Bob’s Windham IGA grocery store on Route 32 is planning a huge expansion by adding another 9,000 square feet, which would improve upon an already great business.

Zarnetske discussed the exciting potential of geothermal energy, describing it as an opportunity for communities like Windham to move toward greater energy independence.

We also discussed the complexity behind crafting and delivering a town budget. Click on the video below to listen to the entire conversation!
Windham Town Manager Rob Zarnetske discusses geothermal and redevelopment.
 

Absentee Voting For All

Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill into law providing all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option of casting a vote via absentee ballot.

Public Act 26-42 removes certain restrictions that previously limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. With this change, any eligible voter who prefers to vote absentee may now do so.

The voters of Connecticut demanded Absentee Voting For All after overwhelmingly approving a constitutional amendment in 2024. The new law takes effect immediately.

Public Act 26-42 does more than provide more opportunities to cast a ballot. It prohibits federal law enforcement within 250 feet of a polling place or other sensitive election sites without permission from state election officials or a court order. It also bans the use of masks unless they’re worn for medical or religious reasons.

In addition to voting absentee, we have the option to vote early in Connecticut. You must first be a registered voter and eligible to vote. Early voting takes place in person at Windham Town Hall or Eastern Connecticut State University: Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Conference Room, J. Eugene Smith Library during the early voting period.

If you prefer to vote by absentee ballot, eligible registered voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to our town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. Once approved, the absentee ballot will be mailed to the eligible registered voter.

CLICK HERE for more information about early voting or absentee ballots.

The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure option to make their voice heard.
 

Memorial Day Weekend Event

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I want to wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

Memorial Day is a solemn time to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. For many families, this day carries profound meaning as we pause to remember the heroes whose courage and sacrifice protect the freedoms we cherish.

I encourage you to join the community for Windham’s Memorial Day events on Monday, May 25. A pilgrimage will depart from the VFW Hall at 7:00 a.m. followed by the parade at 10:30 a.m. beginning at Jilson Square and concluding at Memorial Park. A ceremony will follow at 11 a.m., featuring guest speaker Saul Vazquez, a Marine Corps veteran and Willimantic Police Officer, who will pay tribute to our fallen service members and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.
 

Upcoming Willimantic Events

Please read below for a list of some of the upcoming events in Windham!

You're invited to watch local dancers from Thread City Classical Dance perform in "Synesthesia." The shows will take place at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 23 at Windham High school. CLICK HERE to get tickets.

In honor of 250 years of U.S. independence, the Windham Mill Museum will host a series of free illustrated lectures on the significance of the American Revolution. On Sunday, May 24 at 4:00 p.m., historian Bev York will talk about soldier rations during the war. On-street parking on the south side of Union Street, or in the Museum’s parking lot at 411 Main Street. 

The Windham Theatre Guild is performing in Men On Boats, a true(ish) tale based on the journals of John Wesley Powell during his 1896 expedition into the Grand Canyon. Here are the dates at Burton Leavitt Theatre:

  • May 29 – May 30 at 7:30 p.m.
  • May 31 at 2:00 p.m.
  • June 4 – June 6 at 7:30 p.m.
  • June 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Buy your tickets here