Dear Residents,

Over this past week, Madison has identified one new COVID-19 case; this is our only active case in Town. Let’s be grateful that Connecticut remains one of the few states in the nation to keep the virus contained to low levels of transmission throughout the summer.  However, as we move forward and see students returning to school throughout the state and country, we must continue to do everything we can to prevent a resurgence in our community.  Any new case should be a reminder that we are still in a state of public health emergency and all vulnerable to contracting the virus.  Please continue to exercise caution and follow state directives on social distancing and mask wearing, both indoors and outside, when social distancing cannot be maintained.

And as travel picks up, remember that the state continues to modify the self- quarantine requirements for those arriving from out of state. Please continue to check the state list if you plan on traveling.   

With school starting on September 3^rd, many parents have reached out to the Town about the status of youth sports programs in our community.  Throughout this entire public health emergency, we have tried to keep our sports program policies consistent with guidelines issued by the Department of Public Health and any associated state and local athletic organizations, and in-line with our neighboring communities. Last week, the CIAC board, which oversees all high school athletics throughout the state, took the action to pause all in-person interscholastic fall sport activity, including conditioning programs, until Monday, August 24, in order to consult further with the Department of Public Health.  We are closely monitoring these discussions and will take appropriate action for any Town supported programs when more information and guidance is available.

Now that the August primary is behind us, many people have been reaching out to the Town Clerk to understand the absentee ballot process for the November 3rd Presidential Election. The Secretary of State will be mailing every registered voter in Connecticut an Application for Absentee Ballot by mid-September.  Once received, you can mail this completed application to the Madison Town Clerk, or place it in the secured drop box located outside the main entrance of Town Hall.   For this Election, all Absentee Ballots will be prepared and mailed directly from the Town Clerk’s office beginning October 2nd.  For more up to date information on voting in the November election, please continue to visit the Town Clerk’s website.

And finally, I wanted to alert the community that the Town, after consultation with the sponsoring civic groups, recommends cancelling Madison’s July 4^th fireworks and parade activities, which had been rescheduled for Labor Day weekend. Madison’s annual July 4^th activities can attract up to 10,000 people, including many visitors from out of state.  Under current state guidelines, any mass gatherings of such scale would require state approval and been problematic for social distancing.  I recognize this is disappointing to many residents, but hope the public understands we are taking these necessary measures now to ensure our town and state do not create an environment for a resurgence.

Stay safe and healthy Madison.

Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman