On a brisk Election Day, Peter Varhol, a 71-year-old moderator who has worked the polls at St Francis of Assisi Church in New Britain for the last six years, greeted each voter with a smile and a handshake. The room was filled with people from all walks of life.

However, very few of those walking through the door were below the age of 30.

Central Connecticut State University, which is only three blocks away, is home to nearly 9,000 undergraduate students. Out of the students interviewed on campus, most had not voted in their local election.

In New Britain, the election included a tight mayoral race for an open seat between Republican Sharon Beloin-Saavedra and Democrat Bobby Sanchez, and multiple candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education.

While young voter participation

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