Election Law Changes, Community Events, and more

May 29, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

As we head into summer, many of you are thinking about time outdoors, school vacation, and, if you’re lucky, vacation with your family. Another summer event is the primary election, which occurs on August 11^th.

This year the legislature made some changes to our Early Voting and Absentee Ballot laws. You can learn more about what that means for you below. You will also find information on upcoming events and activities. The Legislative session may be over, but connecting with the community is year-round.

A reminder to Fairfielders that the newly installed speed cameras will go live with ticketing on Monday, June 1^st. Enforcement is 24/7 with lower school zone speed limits during posted hours. You can learn more on the town website.

Election Law Changes

In 2024, Connecticut voters overwhelmingly approved a Constitutional amendment that would allow absentee voting for everyone. The legislature then needed to make changes to the state statutes to be in line with this Constitutional change. The law provides all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option of casting a vote via absentee ballots with no specific excuse necessary.

Public Act 26-42 removes the previous restrictions that limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day. What this means is that if you prefer to vote absentee, you may do so, no questions asked.

To vote by absentee ballot, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their city or town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. For more information on applying for an absentee ballot, visit myvote.ct.gov.

Changes were also made to our Early Voting laws that will allow votes to be counted and stored in tabulators. I heard from many residents who have appreciated the opportunity to vote early but would have preferred to place their ballot in the machine the same way we do on Election Day. Public Act 26-1 made this possible, along with limiting some of the voter information available via the Freedom of Information Act

For information on voting in this August’s primary, you can learn more here.

Upcoming Community Events

Stop Hate Together: A Community Conversation About Hate Crimes

Earlier this Spring, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s (DESPP) Hate Crimes Initiative Coordinator reached out and asked Rep. Leeper and I if Fairfield might be willing to host an event with the town, police, and people from the Hate Crimes unit to help the community learn more about what a hate crime is, how it can be reported, and what happens. First Selectperson Vitale and Chief Paris immediately embraced the idea, knowing that Fairfield is not immune from such actions.

I hope you will join the state delegation, along with our town leaders and the DESPP Hate Crimes unit on Thursday, June 11 from 6:30-8pm at the Board of Education Conference Room 295A/B, 2nd Floor (501 Kings Highway East, Fairfield) to learn more how to identify and stop hate crimes from happening.

Bridgeport Legislative Session Forum with the League of Women Voters and School + State Finance

I am thrilled that the League of Women Voters of the Bridgeport Area is hosting this opportunity for the Bridgeport delegation to share legislative session updates on Thursday, June 4 at the Bridgeport Public Library (925 Broad St., Bridgeport). We are fortunate to be joined by the team from Connecticut School + State Finance for a brief overview of how education funding works and what is on the horizon for Bridgeport now and going forward. The legislature invested an additional $190 million in education this year, with $25 million of additional investments into Bridgeport.

June is Pride Month

There are many area events celebrating Pride Month, beginning with a Bridgeport Pride Flag raising this Sunday at noon at Margaret Morton Government Center followed by a block party at the Bridgeport Pride Center. Fairfield will celebrate Pride with a flag raising and Open Hearts celebration on June 4^th. Greater Bridgeport Pride will be held June 20^th with a march, Pride Festival, and After-Party.

America’s 250^th– Fairfield University For Which it Stands Exhibit

Back in February when the weather was frigid, my sister, husband, and I spent an afternoon experiencing the amazing For Which it Stands exhibit at Fairfield University in both Bellarmine Hall and the Quick Center gallery.

The pieces were powerful and thought provoking and I recommend a visit. The exhibit runs through July 25, so take advantage before it is too late.

Memorial Day Parade

A Special thanks to Betsy Browne, Fairfield Memorial Day Parade organizer, as well as all of those who marched, especially our service members. The Fairfield Memorial Day parade is a celebration of community and connection, and I was honored to participate again this year.

As always, please feel free to reach out directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns. You can reach me by phone at (860) 240-8585 or (203) 522-3037.

Take care,