Connecticut
Opinion: The CT citizens locked out at the ballot box
As voters across Connecticut were casting ballots in this year’s presidential election, over 5,400 residents were being denied the right to vote because of Connecticut’s felony disenfranchisement law, which precludes those currently serving sentences for felonies from casting a ballot.
This practice perpetuates racial and economic injustice, and it undermines the central tenet of participatory democracy: that every citizen have a say over the laws that govern them. To ensure the equal and just treatment of its citizenry, Connecticut should end this practice.
In fact, Connecticut has a chance to become a national leader by ending felony disenfranchisement. Too often throughout history, the state has been among the last to dismantle policies that suppress the political power of communities of color. In 1818, Connecticut limited voting to white people, a restriction it did not repeal until 1876 —six years after the 15th Amendment prohibited racial discrimination in voting. By contrast, every other state in New England enfranchised Black residents before the Civil War.
In 1855, Connecticut was the first state to adopt a literacy test to restrict voting rights, a tactic that would become widely adopted in the Jim Crow South to systematically disenfranchise Black voters. Over a century later, when the Voting Rights Act finally banned the practice nationwide, Connecticut was one of the few states where this policy was still in effect.
Connecticut’s existing felony disenfranchisement policy continues to perpetuate the state’s legacy of suppressing the political power of minority communities. Black and Hispanic residents are incarcerated in Connecticut at nearly 10 and four times the rate of white residents, respectively. This over-representation is no coincidence: racial bias and discrimination are pervasive in the criminal legal system, leading to racially disparate outcomes in sentencing and convictions.
The impact of disenfranchisement also extends far beyond the individuals who have been stripped of their right to vote. Without a voice at the ballot box, incarcerated people are unable to cast votes in the interest of their neighborhoods, their children and families.
The effects ripple across communities —and because Connecticut remains one of the most segregated states in the country, the harm is concentrated in areas already grappling with the impacts of systemic discrimination. These are communities that face chronically underfunded schools, limited access to essential resources like grocery stores, childcare, and healthcare services, and more. By stripping those with felony convictions of their right to vote, Connecticut dilutes the political power of communities that most need to be heard.
In 2021, Connecticut took a meaningful step forward by restoring the vote to individuals on parole —but the state should do more. Connecticut should join Vermont, Maine, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico in granting universal suffrage regardless of incarceration status. It is the right thing to do as a matter of racial and economic justice.
It is also sound, pragmatic policy that promotes safe communities: studies show that voting strengthens ties between individuals and their communities and reduces recidivism among those reintegrating post-incarceration. Finally, universal suffrage would augment the political power of minority groups that have too often been marginalized in our political conversations.
Connecticut has an opportunity —and a responsibility— to advance racial and economic justice, strengthen its democracy, and promote safer communities by ensuring that every citizen, regardless of conviction status, has the right to vote.
Arianna Khan, Ethan Seidenberg, and Lauren Taylor are students in the Civil Rights Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School.
Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
Neighbors who live in the Elm City’s Fair Haven neighborhood might notice a change of scenery at Quinnipiac River Park.
With city planning and a $250,000 state grant, the walkways were paved, water fountains were installed, and the riverbank was improved to prevent erosion.
It’s come a long way since the area was an industrial site in the 1960s.
“Decades and decades ago, this was a junkyard and it’s just shocking to see what is here now, this beautiful site,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said.
The area eventually became a park that saw a massive cleanup a few years ago. What was once a dump is now frequented by visitors young and old, on wheels and on four legs.
“I’d be the only guy running laps around ad now morning, night, afternoon, there’s people running, there’s people having picnics,” neighbor Eric Murray said.
Elicker said a nicer park with lighting and clean, open space can make visitors feel safe.
“People are less likely to engage in crime if they think that there’s a lot of people to witness and they could get caught,” he said.
The work isn’t done yet. Future plans include picnic tables, a new patio area and welcome gardens. The walkways will become a part of a trail that goes around Fair Haven, according to the mayor.
That requires more funding and the continued work of neighbors who have been keeping the park clean.
The Friends of Quinnipiac River Park take pride in maintaining the beauty here by planting flowers and trees, taking care of them in every season.
“I love planting, especially for the neighborhood,” Sadi Vidro, a member of the Friends of Quinnipiac River Park. “I saw the, the outcome of it and that’s what keeps me going.”
Some trees are decorated with a cross and a message that might stop you on your walk. One tree is planted in memory of Michael Caliz.
“Our friend Rita, this is a tree she planted in memory of her son and Rita comes back faithfully every year,” Tom Burwell, the founder of the Friends of Quinnipiac River Park, said. “She’s definitely has taken ownership in the tree and she’s become a staple. She’s been like a mom to us in the group as well.”
Phase one of the project is complete. Concept plans for phase 2 focus on the northern end of the park.
Several Connecticut swimming areas are closed due to the potential of bacteria in the water.
The heavy rain over the past few days is the reason for the concern.
Swimming is prohibited at the West Beach at Rocky Neck State Park, Sherwood Island State Park, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, and Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth.
Water testing at those state parks will be redone on Wednesday with results back on Thursday.
Clinton has also suspended swimming and other water activities at its town beach until further notice. The beach remains open and all other amenities are available, according to the town.
There is no swimming allowed at all Stratford beaches until Friday, according to the Stratford Health Department.
The East Shore Health Department says beaches in East Haven, as well as Clark/Johnson Beach, Stony Creek, and Branford Point in Branford are also closed to swimming. Water samples are being taken on Wednesday and the results are expected on Thursday.
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