Casting Your Vote

Greenwich named Center for Election Excellence

With so much concern about the safety and integrity of our elections, the most recent statewide election was sure to be closely watched. One organization that was looking was the U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence, who took note of Greenwich as a “Center for Election Excellence.”

The organization is part of a collaboration between many non-profits and centered in The Audacious Project, which is part of the funding wing of TED, the non-profit noted for their popular talks.

As part of the inaugural selections for Centers of Election Excellence, local election departments declared their interest and were part of an information session. Once selected, the Centers began to meet and identify what is working and what is not.

“As part of the Alliance, Centers will receive training, mentorship, and resources, and serve as a support system for each other and election departments across the country.

“Centers will participate in co-creating values and standards of election excellence which will be rolled out to jurisdictions nationwide, uplifting and advancing the profession of election administration in the years to come.”

The list of 2023 candidates included cities across the country, but Greenwich was the only city in the Greater Northeast area to be invited to participate.

Greenwich Registrars Fred DeCaro III and Mary Hegarty worked together from opposite sides of the aisle to secure the spot that eventually led to them receiving this designation.

In a news released obtained from Patch.com, Hegarty said, “Fred and I serve as an example of bipartisan cooperation in election administration. We have an excellent working relationship and although we have different personal views on policy issues, we are united in our dedication to administer fair and open elections.”

DeCaro said that he didn’t hesitate to sign up for these informational sessions – “We are always looking at how to improve service to our town. Likewise, we believe we have ideas and best practices to share with our new friends from across the country.”

The other recipients include Contra Costa County, CA; Shasta County, CA; Kane County, IL; Macoupin County, IL; Ottawa County, MI; Clark County, NV; Brunswick County, NC; Forsyth County, NC; and Madison, WI.

While there have been no indications of widespread voter fraud, the 2024 elections will be among the most watched and scrutinized. Making sure that your town or city is on top of election management like Greenwich will make for a perfect day in democracy.