Local races the most competitive in years

In 2011 and 2013 there were no contested races in the municipal elections.

This year, there are 13 races, seven of which are contested: First selectman.

Board of Selectmen. Board of Finance.

Board of Education. Planning and Zoning — fouryearterm.

Planning and Zoning — twoyearterm.

Zoning Board of Appeals — fouryear term. Constables. Uncontested races include Zoning Board of Appeals (twoyear term), ZBA alternate (full term and twoyear term), Board of Finance (twoyear term) and Board of Assessment Appeals.

There was no race for first selectman in 2017 since it was the middle of incumbent Lynne Vanderslice’s fouryear term, but there were contested races for Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning, and constables.

In 2015, the contested races were for first selectman, Board of Selectmen and constables.

Competition breeds turnout. In 2011, there were 29 open seats but only constable positions were contested. The turnout was 25 percent and probably would have been much lower but for the question on the ballot asking whether beer should be sold in supermarkets.

In 2013, when there were 26 names on the ballot, turnout was light at 11.5 percent.

With the first contested race for first selectman in years — Lynne Vanderslice vs. Deborah McFadden — turnout was higher in 2015 at 38.7 percent.

And again, in the first postTrump election and with a robust contest for Board of Selectmen and another for Board of Education, turnout was 32.8 percent.

But things have changed with Wilton’s evolving electorate.

In 2011, Wilton had 11,028 active registered voters. There were: 4,178 Republicans (37.8%). 3,898 Unaffiliated (34.9%). 2,932 Democrats (26.5%). 20 registered to minor parties. The split among Republicans and Democrats is now much closer.

As of May, there were 12,068 registered voters:

4,569 unaffiliated (38%). 3,837 Republicans (32%) 3,549 Democrats (29%).

113 registered to minor parties. The Republicans have endorsed two unaffiliated candidates — MelissaJean Rotini and Jake Bittner — both running for Planning and Zoning Commission.

In all, there will be 38 names on the ballot — 18 Democrats and 19 Republicans. A 20th Republican, Michael Powers, will appear as a petitioning candidate.