Secretary of the State announces lowest number of uncontested General Assembly seats since 1998

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has reported that the number of uncontested General Assembly races in 2010 is 10% lower than in 2008. Only 54 of 187 races for State Senate or State House lack either a Democratic or Republican candidate this year as compared with 60 total unchallenged contests in 2008, a decrease of 10%. With 28.9% of races uncontested, this year ranks the lowest since 1998, when 26.7% of races were unchallenged.

“This decline in uncontested General Assembly races means more Connecticut citizens are interested in the electoral process and running for office,” said Ms. Bysiewicz, the state’s chief elections official. “Although some legislative districts still lack competition, I am very encouraged by these numbers and I am proud of those Connecticut citizens who have decided to get involved in the political process. One factor that appears to be encouraging more candidates to run for office is the Citizen’s Election Program and the availability of public campaign funds.”

In State Senate races, six of 36 (16.7%) contests lack a major party candidate, the lowest since 1998 when just five of 36 races (13.9%) went unchallenged. In races for the State House, only 48 of the 151 district races (31.8%) are uncontested, the lowest percentage of unchallenged elections in that same time period.

The number of uncontested races for 2010 has decreased significantly from those of the past two election cycles. The number of races in which a major party has not fielded a candidate for the state Senate has diminished considerably from 2006 when nine of 36 races (25%) went uncontested. In 2008, seven State Senate races were uncontested by Republicans or Democrats. The most dramatic decline in uncontested races, however, can be seen in elections for the State House of Representatives. In 2006, 62 races for House seats (41%) lacked a major party candidate, while in 2008, 53 races (35%) remained uncontested. In 2010, 48 races are uncontested (31.8%). In 2008, public campaign financing for Connecticut General Assembly races became available for the first time through the Citizen’s Election Program. That year some 235 General Assembly candidates, equivalent to 73% of those running for state House and Senate, participated in the clean elections program and received grants to run their campaigns.

“With more candidates participating in the electoral process, I am really looking forward to the November elections,” Ms. Bysiewicz said. “Competitive races increase voter interest and voter turnout.”

Ms. Bysiewicz is also reminding voters that statewide primaries are quickly approaching on August 10th. The deadline to mail in registration forms is Thursday, Aug. 5. The last day for in person registration at town offices is Monday, Aug. 9 at noon. Unaffiliated voters face those same deadlines if they wish to register with a party and vote in the primary.

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