Final Gubernatorial Debates, Primary Reflections, and Election Day Registration

This weekly segment by Democrats for Education Reform CT looks at the top education stories Democrats are watching, providing bite-sized analysis and links to recent articles. This week: the final gubernatorial debate, primary reflections, and election day registration!

Last Night’s Final Debate

In last night’s final gubernatorial debate, WTNH brought in a focus group of Republican, Democratic, and Independent voters, whose reactions were displayed in real time as the candidates responded to questions. The debate briefly touched on how to manage rising special education costs–with Lamont advocating for the state to play a stronger role, and Stefanowski/Griebel indicating a preference for local decision-making on special education. Questioned on Stefanowski’s unrealistic idea of cutting taxes, Lamont again reaffirmed his belief that we can attract businesses in our cities through investment in transportation and education.

Primary Placements

We’re just 8 days away from the highly anticipated midterms. But did you know that, in some Connecticut districts, the primary winners are highly likely to beat their opponents? Our analysts take a look at primary winners who have all-but-won before the elections even took place!

Featured in this week’s DFER CT Playbook, State Senate candidate Matt Lesser, running to replace Paul Doyle in the 9th District, made national news yesterday because his Republican opponent distributed a mailer that has been described by the Anti-Defamation League as overtly anti-Semitic in tone. CT Republican officials have defended the mailer, echoing the Trump midterm strategy of discriminatory and divisive messaging. We at DFER CT want to echo that hatred and bigotry have no place in our state or nation. We need leadership who will set the right example for our children.

Vote! Vote! Vote!

You can check your voter registration status and polling location here. The deadline was yesterday for registration, but DO NOT DESPAIR. Because of the recent efforts of Connecticut Democrats, you have the opportunity to register and vote on Election Day through Election Day Registration (EDR)! On November 6, you can visit your town’s EDR location (each town has only one!) to register and vote on the same day. Check here to learn what you need to bring. Already set on the voting front? Contact your Democratic Town Committee to volunteer over the final four days!

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