Connecticut
How will ranked-choice voting work in Connecticut?
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A new working group convened by Gov. Ned Lamont will craft a proposal for the state legislature to introduce ranked-choice voting in some Connecticut elections.
Currently, 29 states allow for ranked-choice voting, mostly in party primaries and municipal elections.
The most common type of ranked-choice voting is a system known as instant-runoff ranked-choice voting. In an election utilizing instant-runoff ranked-choice voting, voters are able to rank each candidate in order of preference. Voters are not required to rank all of the candidates if they do not want to. If no candidate receives a majority of first choice votes, the candidate with the lowest number of first choice votes is eliminated. Voters who listed the eliminated candidate as their first choice then have their second choice counted as part of a second round of vote counting. This process repeats until one candidate has a majority.
For advocates of ranked-choice voting, the process represents something of a remedy for political polarization that they attribute largely to the current system of primary elections.
“The current system rewards factions and it rewards the fringes of a party,” said Monte Frank, an attorney and the vice chair of the working group. “So, the more polarizing you are, the better you do in a partisan, winner-take-all primary.”
Frank sees ranked-choice voting as a way to encourage candidates to court a wider base of support on the theory that being a voter’s second, third or even fourth choice gives them a better chance to win if multiple rounds of vote counting are required.
Frank is the former running mate of the late Oz Greibel, the third-party candidate for governor who captured just under 4% of the vote in the 2018 gubernatorial contest that pitted Republican Bob Stefanowski against Lamont.
“It not only drives voter participation, increases voter choice, but it produces a better candidate, a more consensus-driven candidate, and that improves our democracy,” Frank said.
The governor’s working group includes representation from both political parties and is co-chaired by one state senator from each side of the aisle. Any potential recommendation to the legislature would apply only to the use of ranked-choice voting in primaries, certain municipal elections, caucuses and conventions. Political parties and municipalities would have the choice of whether to adopt ranked-choice voting.
“My hope is that this working group will collect the information necessary to make specific recommendations and hopefully improve voter turnout in Connecticut,” Sen. Cathy Osten (D-District 19) said in a statement announcing the working group.
Osten, who also chairs the legislature’s influential appropriations committee, is sharing leadership of the ranked-choice voting working group with Republican Sen. Tony Hwang (District 28).
“We hope to learn how ranked-choice voting can give the voters of Connecticut a stronger and more representative voice in their local elections,” Hwang said in a statement.
Despite bipartisan interest in exploring the use of ranked-choice voting in Connecticut primaries and municipal elections, concerns remain about the wisdom of making major changes to the voting process.
“One of my concerns globally is that we’ve done a lot of changes to our election laws,” Rep. Vincent Candelora (District 86), the House Republican leader.
Candelora was referencing the introduction of early voting, which Connecticut is implementing for the first time this year. Local elections officials, he said, are challenged by the expanded in-person voting periods and would be further burdened if they had to adapt to the process of tabulating ranked-choice ballots.
Candelora also questioned how many races would actually draw more than two candidates.
“I just think that’s rare when it happens,” he said, “So, you know, to me it’s more of an academic exercise versus something that will really have a practical impact on Connecticut voting.”
The inaugural meeting of the Governor’s Working Group on Ranked-Choice Voting is on June 14.
Gov. Ned Lamont is encouraging Connecticut motorists to avoid travel on state roads during the evening of Friday, Dec. 26.
This advisory comes as a snowstorm is anticipated to impact the state during the evening and overnight hours. Those who must travel are urged to drive cautiously and allow snow removal crews adequate space to clear the roads safely, according to Lamont’s prepared statement.
Forecasts indicate that Connecticut may receive between 6 and 12 inches of snow statewide. The snow is predicted to begin late Friday afternoon and intensify from light to very heavy between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour at times during the evening. The storm is expected to taper off around sunrise on Saturday morning.
Lamont stated that the snow is projected to pick up quickly shortly after sunset on Friday. He added that the snowfall rates could be dangerous for driving. He recommended that anyone needing to travel should leave early and reach their destination before sunset.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has its fleet of 650 snowplows and specialized removal equipment ready for deployment. CTDOT crews are on standby and will remain active until roads are clear of snow and ice, state officials said. Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto confirmed that crews and contractors are prepared to clear roadways and will be out in full force.
Eucalitto also urged drivers to slow down, use caution, and maintain extra space between vehicles if they must travel during the storm. He asked the public to give plow drivers the room needed to work safely and efficiently.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 498 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 32,213 injury crashes in 2022 under snow or sleet conditions.
CTDOT advises drivers to maintain distance from snowplows, avoid passing them, and allow operators ample space. For general winter driving safety, CTDOT recommends slowing down, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, using winter tires, and preparing an emergency kit. Drivers should never drive impaired and should check weather and road conditions before traveling via CTroads.org, state officials said.
See CT Weather: Up To 10 Inches Of Snow Accumulation Now Forecast By Saturday
This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.
Providing space for people who may not have a place to celebrate this Christmas. That’s what a Thai restaurant in Canton offered to the community.
It feels a lot like Christmas inside Green Papaya restaurant in Canton.
“It’s a wonderful time. We like to trade gifts,” said Net Nunta, the cook at Green Papaya.
For her and her partner Dirk Peirsman, they were trading flavors and hospitality.
“We don’t celebrate at home so we open here so we can see people too,” Nunta said.
Their restaurant was packed for the holiday, not just because they were one of the few places open, but also to offer a sense of community.
“They’re just great. They’ve both been a big part of the community,” said Lynne Kay, of New Hartford
The restaurant put a post on social media offering their space to anyone on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day who may not have a place to celebrate. It’s something they’ve been doing for the last five years.
“I don’t know why the social media blew up on this year. Our sign has been outside always, but the community’s happy,” Peirsman said.
People didn’t even need to eat Thai food as they could bring their own food, but many ate it or at least gave it a try.
“It’s healthy. It tastes good. It seems so clean. Yeah, we love it,” Tommy Skarupa said.
Nunta says this idea started after they came to Connecticut from Belgium to run the restaurant for Nunta’s mother about ten years ago. Both are very far from home and say they wanted to celebrate with the Canton community.
“It’s so lonely you know. Your whole family’s in Thailand and I don’t know anybody so that really hit me,” she said.
This meant welcoming anyone, even those who may be struggling with money around this time. Peirsman says he made sure to take care of at least one person.
“I cannot give you anything off the menu, but we have some catering here. Come in and sit down, eat something for free,” he said.
So far, it’s been a success with customers vowing to make a return trip.
“We love the food. We love the service and love just seeing Dirk and his whole family,” Skarupa said.
UPDATE: A winter storm warning has been issued for Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Hartford and Middlesex counties.
No advisories have been issued for New London, Tolland and Windham counties.
The weather service said in an update Thursday afternoon that 4 to 8 inches of snow is forecast for Fairfield County.
Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A total of 5 to 7 inches of snow is forecast for New Haven County but lesser amounts in eastern parts of the county.
“Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches,” the weather service said concerning New Haven County. “The eastern portion of the county may see less snow with accumulations 3 to 5 inches.”
Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Hartford County. “Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches.”
A winter storm warning is in effect for Litchfield County. “Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches.”
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Middlesex County. “Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches.”
Original story: The weather itself on Christmas will be pleasant with temperatures rising into the 40s under sunny skies but with wind gusts approaching 30 mph at times.
This will all set the stage for an interesting but also complex snowstorm, which is scheduled to begin Friday evening. Folks residing in the western part of the state will see the most snow, possibly up to 7 inches of snow, while residents in the eastern part of the state could see as little as 1 to 3 inches of snow.
Snow could break out Friday afternoon in western parts of the state, while it may not start snowing until Friday night in eastern parts of Connecticut. The snow is forecast to mainly fall during the nighttime and overnight hours and should end by late morning Saturday.
Here is a full breakdown on the forecast for every county in the state via the National Weather Service:
Fairfield County snow details, via the weather service:
A winter storm watch remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. “Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches possible.” There is a 30 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. Friday, but the storm really gets going in the evening hours.
New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties snow details, via the weather service:
“A winter storm system will affect the region Friday afternoon through Saturday morning with an accumulating, plowable snow,” the weather service said in a hazardous weather outlook.
There is a 20 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. in western parts of New Haven County, where 3 to 7 inches of snow may accumulate.
In eastern parts of New Haven County and Middlesex County, 3 to 5 inches of snow is forecast. And in New London County, 2 to 4 inches of snow is forecast. The snow here won’t begin until Friday night.
Hartford County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow. Low around 19. Light northeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
We are keeping a close eye on a low-pressure system that could bring plowable snow to the region Friday night into Saturday Morning. Uncertainty remains high, as guidance shows significant spread in the systems’ track. The best chances for 3+ inches of snow are in southwest CT. pic.twitter.com/vg1kdaLPS8
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 25, 2025
Read More:
Tolland County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 17. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Windham County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 18. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Litchfield County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday: A slight chance of snow after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 24. Wind chill values as low as -1. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 16. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Saturday: A chance of snow, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 27. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday and beyond forecast details for Connecticut, via the National Weather Service
Sunday: A chance of rain after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 7pm, then snow likely between 7pm and 1am, then rain after 1am. Low around 27. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday: Rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 45. South wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A chance of rain before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. West wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
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