Make your vote count

The headline shouts “1 million primary ballots were mailed late.” (New York Times, Sept. 20) So either the absentee ballots did not arrive before the election, or the completed ballot was not returned by the state’s designated deadline. Voting by mail during this COVID-19 pandemic is the safe, preferred method. Seeing that you get your ballot on time and having your vote counted is the challenge. Much has been written about the recent changes in the Post Office. Mail is being delayed so let’s work around that problem.

In Connecticut, if you are an active registered voter, you will automatically receive a request for an absentee ballot. Immediately fill out that request. Check the COVID-19 box, if no other reasons apply. Be sure to insert the completed form with your town’s name in the return envelope address window. Do this ASAP. You can check your registration status at myvote.ct.gov/ lookup

When you do receive your absentee ballot, hot potato your ballot. In other words — cast your vote, seal your ballot into the return envelope and take it to your town hall’s secure ballot drop box, located in front of your town hall. Do not risk your vote being delayed in the mail. If you can’t take it yourself, ask a trusted family member or friend to be your “allowable designee” to take your sealed ballot to the absentee ballot box by Election Day before 8 p.m., or preferably sooner.

Lastly, if your absentee ballot does not arrive by Election Day, you will have to vote in person instead. Find your polling place, wear a mask, keep 6 feet distance from everyone. Bring your own pen. Be sure to sanitize your hands after voting.

Your vote is extremely important in this election. Let’s make sure your vote gets counted. Carol Christmas

Hamden