Letter to the editor submitted by Jonathan Perloe. The writer was a leader of National Popular Vote CT, the successful volunteer citizens’ effort to have Connecticut join the NPV Compact.
Free and fair elections—and strong voter participation—are the cornerstones of our democracy. As Russia’s attacks on our election systems attest, they are never something to be taken for granted. The local Registrar of Voters plays a critical role in assuring fair elections and unimpeded access to the ballot box. That’s why I’m supporting Mary Hegarty in the Tuesday, August 14 primary for the Democratic Registrar of Voters in Greenwich.
All her life, Mary (who some of you may know by her married name, Molly Colombo) has contributed her time and energy to supporting voter participation and strengthening our “small d” democracy.
As a teen, Mary co-chaired the Greenwich branch of Let’s Vote Eighteen, the successful effort to pass a constitutional amendment lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.
Mary’s commitment to making sure everyone’s voice can be heard continues to the present day. This year she volunteered her time to the successful grassroots effort to get Connecticut to join the National Popular Vote Compact.
The Registrar of Voters can and should be more than just faithfully fulfilling the administrative responsibilities of the position. It can be a positive force in increasing voter participation. Mary has some great ideas for how to do that, including getting teens involved in the political process early on by working at the polls on Election Day.
Mary has already demonstrated her commitment to the position. She is currently the Deputy Democratic Registrar of Voters and certified as an Election Moderator. She’s also enrolled in UConn’s comprehensive certification program for registrars of voters. As an attorney, she will be comfortable interpreting and fairly applying our election laws and regulations.
Mary Hegarty is the most qualified and committed candidate for the Democratic Registrar of Voters in Greenwich. She deserves your vote on Tuesday, August 14.
Jonathan Perloe
Cos Cob
The writer was a leader of National Popular Vote CT, the successful volunteer citizens’ effort to have Connecticut join the NPV Compact.