Rochelle reminds residents to recognize signs of domestic violence

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. That is why October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year more than ever, it is important to recognize the signs of domestic violence and to check in on friends and family who may be high risk. For more information, click here. --- Election Day is just over two weeks away and if you plan on voting by absentee ballot this election, make sure you submit your ballot as soon as you can. If you have not submitted your application for an absentee ballot, it is critical to complete that as soon as possible. All voters will be able to check a box on the application that they are requesting to vote by absentee ballot due to COVID-19. This allows voters to cast their ballot without having to stand in long lines, risking their health and safety during the ongoing pandemic. The application must be sent back to the City Clerk's office via the U.S. Postal Service, in person to the City Clerk's office (if open), or via the secure drop box located outside of their city hall. When the application is processed, a ballot will be sent to the voter. When voters receive their ballot, they may complete it and return it via the USPS, in person to the City Clerk's office, or the secure ballot box in front of their city hall. Only ballots that arrive before polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day will be counted. For more information about absentee voting, please visit Secretary of the State Denise Merrill's website, here. If you are not registered to vote, you may do so through the SOTS web portal, here. The above information was provided in a press release today from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.