The Town Clerk’s functions regarding elections are many and varied.
The Town Clerk prepares the ballot for the voting machines and for the absentee ballots. An official list of candidates is prepared and forwarded to Secretary of the State. The Town Clerk must keep the Secretary of the State informed as to any vacancies in an elective office whether by death or resignation. This is vital to the integrity of the balloting process. She also notifies the Secretary of State when a vacancy in an elective office has been filled.
Chairmen of Town Committees must be kept informed of many things in the months preceding an election. They need to know what offices are open in order to find candidates to fill those slots.
Absentee ballots are issued by this office. There is an application process first, then if all is in order, the ballot may be issued. Ballots are returned to the Town Clerk for delivery to the polls. There is a strict accounting of all absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots issued.
Per State Statute, it is the Town Clerk’s duty to declare a person elected. Simply because someone receives more votes than another does not mean that person is elected. Minority representation must be taken into consideration so that not too many persons of one party control a board or commission. The results of these elections are then put into a permanent record book for posterity.
Voter registration cards may be obtained in this office. These are used as a means of identification to prove that the person is a citizen. The name is checked on the voting list, the card filled out and the Town Seal affixed over the Town Clerk’s signature.
East Lyme Registrar of Voters – Register to vote
State of Connecticut Online Voter Registration
Voter Registration Lookup (Includes polling location and absentee ballot status)