On April 1, true democracy was given to all city voters. The Democratic mayoral nominee is running unopposed by a Republican on the ballot. Another Democrat, due to an outpouring of multi-party citizen support, is the only legally certified write-in candidate. This provides an opportunity for our diverse community to all have a voice this Monday in the general election.

Many residents asked repeatedly with concern will their write-in ballot be valid if they fill in bubble 1c and write in Mayor Keith Hedrick. Absolutely yes! In fact, per the Connecticut Secretary of State and the City of Groton Registrar of Voters, intent is the defining language of the statue for certified write-in candidates. This means that an abbreviation or misspelling of his first and/or last name counts as a vote for the incumbent mayor if intent is clear.

Here are examples accepted as long as bubble 1c is filled in: Keith Hedrick, Mayor Keith, KH, Mayor K, Mayor Hedrick, Keith H, Hedrick, Keith − including if some letters go outside of box. Intent is the rule.

City of Groton deserves a "write" in deciding who is the mayor. Fill the bubble in 1c and write in Mayor Keith Hedrick because all voices and votes will now count.

Jean Claude Ambroise

Groton