Are You Prepared to Vote in Durham? The Political Landscape Has Changed

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, voters in Durham will head to the polls to cast their ballots in this year's Presidential election.

When the polls open at 6 a.m. at Korn School, poll workers will be prepared to answer questions. And it's likely there will be plenty to go around.

If you hadn't already heard, 2011's redistricting did a number on the town's election process by dividing the town into three distinct voting districts.

Confused yet? Okay, follow along.

Essentially, everyone living east of the Coginchaug river will be represented by the Senate's 12th District and House's 101st District, or what's known as Durham's 2nd precinct.

Battling for the 12th District seat are incumbent Democrat Ed Meyer and Republican Cindy Cartier. In the 101st District, voters will choose between incumbent Republican Noreen Kokoruda and her Democratic challenger, David Dwyer.

For most residents living west of the Coginchaug River, the Senate's 34th District and House's 86th District is up for grabs, or what's known as Durham's 4th precinct.

Incumbent Republican Len Fasano is being challenged by Democrat Steve Fontana for the 34th District seat. Vincent Candelora, a Republican who's held office since 2007, is running unopposed for the 86th District seat.

And here's where it gets tricky.

A small number of residents — like those living on Boulder View Court and Arrowhead Court and a number of residents living in the far southwest corner of town — will vote for candidates in the Senate's 12th District and House's 86th District. They're a part of Durham's 3rd precinct.

Now are you confused?

Well, if you're still unsure of which candidates you're supposed to be choosing from, here's a street-by-street breakdown of the precincts. Use it to match up your precinct with the candidates you'll be voting for.

Or better yet, check out our PDFs of sample ballots from each precinct to get an idea of what names you'll see on this year's ballot.

Oh yeah, there's some good news.

All of Durham is now in the 3rd Congressional District. So, voters will have a choice between incumbent Democrat Rosa DeLauro or her Republican challenger, Wayne Winsley.

Don't forget to vote for President too!