Connecticut’s Old State House Hosts “Untangling the Tally” Lecture Series: A Look Behind the Election Process

Beginning October 13th, Connecticut’s Old State House will host a four-part educational lecture series designed to build trust in the election system in Connecticut.  “Untangling the Tally: A Look Behind the Election Process” will feature moderated panel discussions by local election experts, exploring topics ranging from the logistics of elections, the role of technology and news coverage during elections, and the challenges faced by electors today.

The Logistics of Elections

Thursday, October 13, 12:00 – 1:00pm

What happens to our ballots once we hand them in? How do the ballots even get to our local polling places? How are all the ballots from all across the state counted? Election Day is a large, complicated event. It takes months of planning and coordination between state and local governments to pull it off. Who is involved in these logistics? And most importantly, how do we make sure nothing goes wrong? Join our panel of experts as they discuss the logistics of elections, how the state works together with town clerks and poll workers, and all the measures taken to ensure the election is safe. 

Ted Bromley, Director of Elections SOTS Office, for the planning, automatic and requested recounts, post election auditing, etc. 

Michael J. Brandi, Executive Director and General Counsel of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, for the checks that exist to protect from fraud 

Alex Russell, UConn Prof and Director at the Center for Voting Technology Research, for the safeguards in the technology

Lauren Olson, Registrar of Voters, Town of Ashford

Laura Smits, President League of Women Voters of CT – moderator

Media and Elections

Thursday, October 20, 12:00 – 1:00pm

The media plays a fundamental role in any democracy, and all eyes are on the news on Election Day. From traditional news anchors, to independent reporters on Twitter, we have minute to minute election updates available right at our fingertips. But this overabundance of information can easily lead to confusion, misinformation, and the creation of echo chambers. Join our panel of experts as they discuss the role of news coverage and social media on Election day and the days leading up to it, and how we can protect ourselves from disinformation and find trustworthy sources.

Anita Ford Saunders, Communications Strategist- moderator

Mara Suttman-Lea, Assistant Professor of American Politics at the Department of Government and International Relations at Connecticut College

Christine Stuart, CT News Junkie 

Belinha de Abreu, Media Literacy Educator & Author

Mercy A. Quaye, Founder & President, The Narrative Project

Barriers to Voting

Thursday, October 27, 12:00 – 1:00pm

Elections have changed through the decades, but one thing has always remained the same: voting is not easy for everyone. For many eligible voters, it is actually near impossible. Issues of accessibility, convenience, transportation, time constraints, and a slew of other complications have always plagued Election Day. And the reasons so many citizens can’t make it to the polls, or choose not to go at all, go beyond just physical barriers. Join our panel of experts as they discuss the barriers that many citizens face to have their votes counted on Election Day. 

Val Ramos, Everyday Democracy, moderator

Yanidsi Vélez, CT State Director, Hispanic Federation

Steven Hernandez, Executive Director GA’s Commission on Women, Children and Seniors, Equity and Opportunity

Doris Maldonado, Chair, CT Council on Developmental Disabilities

Joe Goldman, Civics Teacher, E.O. Smith High School in Mansfield

Post-Election Conversation with Voters

Thursday, November 10, 7:00 – 8:00pm

For more information, visit https://ctdemocracycenter.org/tally/

Connecticut’s Old State House is a National Historic Landmark building which served as a home to all three branches of Connecticut state government from 1796 to 1878. Museum exhibits highlight some of Connecticut’s most important stories of freedom, democracy, and civic action, from the Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials to the Constitutional Convention of 1818.  Today, Connecticut’s Old State House is operated by a public/private partnership between the Connecticut Office of Legislative Management and The Connecticut Democracy Center.  It currently serves as a history museum, gathering spot, and place of civic exploration for thousands of local, national, and international visitors each year. For hours and admission rates, visit ctoldstatehouse.org.

The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities. The CTDC seeks to inspire people of all ages to engage in civic life and strengthen their communities. Learn more at ctdemocracycenter.org.