What Price Democracy?

Tuesday's primaries for Regional Judge of Probate cost the town around $4,200, according to Democratic Registrar of Voters Hazel Gorman. That amount includes payment of workers at the polls, the cost of printing ballots, and other smaller costs.

With a total of 383 votes cast between Ledyard and Gales Ferry voting districts, that comes to about $11 per vote. 

"I don't know if I'd go down that road," said Town Finance Director Marcia Hancock.

Indeed, primaries not only are a fundamental part of our political system, they also are required by state law, regardless of how much they cost the town.

But do the polls need to be open a full 14 hours, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.?

"We looked into that," said Gorman. "We found out the polls had to be open all day. The only exception is for referendums."

"Judge of Probate really should be an appointed position," said New London lawyer Matt Berger, who worked on Democrat Ellin Grenger's campaign. 

Grenger, of Gales Ferry, won in Ledyard and North Stonington, but finished second overall to Stonington's Nick Kepple. Eric Janney, of Pawcatuck, was the Republican winner.

Appointing a probate judge might save some money, but Republican Registrar Nancy Lozier said that could result in political patronage, and possibly a probate judge who is less than qualified 

"You wouldn't want the state appointing your local Judge of Probate," she said.