By Elizabeth Barhydt
On Tuesday, September 9, Greenwich Republicans will head to the polls for a primary election to decide which six of twelve Republican candidates for the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) will appear on the November ballot. Early voting runs through Monday, September 8, at Town Hall, and absentee ballots are available from the Town Clerk.
The BET is one of the most important boards in Greenwich government. Its twelve members— six Republicans and six Democrats—manage the town’s $600 million budget, set the mill rate, and approve appropriations throughout the year. The primary is significant because it will determine which Republicans are nominated for six of those twelve seats.
What makes this primary unusual is how the ballot came about. Earlier this year, the Republican Town Committee (RTC) voted to endorse six candidates. But, in an effort to unify the party, the RTC divided its endorsements evenly, selecting three from each of two competing factions. That compromise prompted several candidates who were dissatisfied with the arrangement to force a primary, giving voters a choice among twelve names instead of six.
As a result, the September 9 ballot lists all twelve candidates. Six are designated with an asterisk, marking them as officially endorsed by the RTC. They appear in two rows.
Although the ballot presents two rows, the reality is more complex. Each faction has promoted its own full slate of six candidates, but the slates are not listed as such on the ballot. Voters may choose up to six names, regardless of position on the ballot. The six individuals who receive the most votes will advance to the November general election.
The split has sparked debate inside the local party. One group has emphasized independence and described themselves as “outsiders” willing to challenge conventional approaches. The other has highlighted experience, cooperation, and an interest in greater bipartisanship on the BET. Supporters on both sides say the stakes go beyond finances, touching on how Greenwich Republicans govern themselves and how they present themselves to the broader community.
Voter Information
Only registered Republicans may vote in the September 9 primary. However, unaffiliated or unregistered voters may participate if they change or establish their registration with the Registrars of Voters office no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8.
Polling places will be open on Tuesday, September 9, at normal locations from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting continues through September 7 at Town Hall.
