Breaking Down the Ballot: Understanding Elected Roles in Greenwich
- My Voting Power
- Sep 26
- 5 min read
An election isn’t all names and campaign signs. It’s easy to get caught up in the fanfare, but what really matters is understanding the roles that candidates are running for and the ballot issues you’re voting on.
In Greenwich, these positions directly shape the schools your kids attend, the parks they play in, the taxes you pay, and the look and feel of your neighborhood. Let’s break it all down so you can head to the polls informed and confident. Remember, your vote informs change in our daily lives.
Why Understanding Roles Matters
Local elections often have lower turnout compared to national races. That means each vote carries more weight. But if you don’t know what the roles are, or what the ballot items mean, it’s harder to see how your vote connects to your daily life.
The truth is: these offices and issues are where local power lives.
Key Roles on the Greenwich Ballot
There are a number of local offices up for election on November 4th. It’s important to know what each position does and the impact they have on your local community:
1. First Selectman
Role: Think of this as the “CEO of the town.” The First Selectman leads the Board of Selectmen and oversees the day-to-day administration of Greenwich.
Why it matters: This role sets priorities for everything from traffic planning to infrastructure improvements. If you care about roads, public safety, and how efficiently the town runs, the First Selectman plays a central role.
2. Board of Selectmen
Role: This three-member board (including the First Selectman) helps guide town policies and decisions.
Why it matters: They vote on ordinances, coordinate with departments, and address town-wide issues.
3. Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET)
Role: Manages the town’s finances and sets the property tax rate.
Why it matters: They decide how much funding goes to schools, parks, infrastructure, and more. If you’ve ever debated a tax rate or read about budget cuts in Greenwich schools, the BET is at the center.
4. Board of Education (BOE)
Role: Oversees Greenwich Public Schools.
Why it matters: From curriculum and staffing to arts programs and building upgrades, the BOE has a huge influence on what learning looks like in our community.
5. Representative Town Meeting (RTM)
Role: Greenwich’s legislative body, with over 200 members representing neighborhoods across town.
Why it matters: They approve budgets, town ordinances, and local policies. If you want to know how decisions get made closest to home, the RTM is key.
6. Town Clerk
Role: The Town Clerk keeps official town records, from birth and marriage certificates to land deeds and meeting minutes. They also oversee election-related filings, including absentee ballot distribution.
Why it matters: This office is about transparency and access. Whether you’re applying for a marriage license, looking up property records, or requesting an absentee ballot, the Town Clerk’s office touches your daily life more than you might realize.
7. Tax Collector
Role: Responsible for collecting property taxes in Greenwich, which are the primary funding source for schools, parks, and local services.
Why it matters: The efficiency and accuracy of this office impacts how smoothly the town collects revenue, which in turn affects how quickly money flows to the services you depend on.
8. Board of Assessment Appeals
Role: Reviews and adjusts property assessments if residents believe their property has been overvalued.
Why it matters: Property taxes are based on assessments. If you feel your home has been assessed unfairly, this is the board that hears your appeal. Their decisions directly affect what homeowners pay and maintains fairness across the community.
9. Constable
Role: In Greenwich, constables primarily serve civil legal functions like delivering court papers, handling evictions, and executing certain judgments. They may also assist with law enforcement support when needed.
Why it matters: While less visible than police officers, constables ensure the legal process functions smoothly. Their work directly supports residents navigating the court system or legal disputes.
Common Ballot Issues
In addition to candidates, you may also see ballot measures or local questions. These often involve funding, governance changes, or policies that need voter approval. Examples could include:
School construction or renovation funding (like bonds for upgrades at Greenwich High School or elementary facilities).
Charter revisions that change how local boards operate.
Referendums on large-scale town projects (parks, recreation centers, or infrastructure).
Why it matters: These aren’t abstract proposals, they’re about whether a specific building gets built, whether your taxes fund a new program, or whether local governance changes in a meaningful way.
How This Affects Daily Life
To make it real, here’s how these roles and ballot issues connect to your everyday Greenwich experience:
🎨 Your child’s art class is cut? That traces back to BOE budgets and BET funding.
🌳 Your favorite park gets new equipment? That’s Parks & Rec working with town funding.
🚦 You’re stuck in traffic downtown? Planning & Zoning and the Selectmen are part of the solution.
🏠 New housing development approved near your street? That decision goes through Planning & Zoning.
💵 Property tax bill changes? That’s the BET and RTM at work.
🌊 Flooding near your home? Infrastructure and sustainability funding depend on local votes.
How to Get Informed About Candidates and Issues
Check the Sample Ballot
Available from the Greenwich Registrar of Voters before the election. This lets you preview exactly what you’ll see when you vote.
Read Candidate Statements
Many local organizations, including nonpartisan groups like the League of Women Voters, publish voter guides.
Attend or Watch Debates/Forums
These events give you a chance to hear directly from candidates about priorities and plans.
Research Local Media Coverage
Outlets like the Greenwich Time, Greenwich Free Press, and Greenwich Sentinel provide updates on issues, candidate positions, and debates.
Quick Checklist: Preparing for Your Ballot
✅ Learn the key roles (First Selectman, BET, BOE, RTM, etc.)
✅ Preview your sample ballot
✅ Research candidate priorities and positions
✅ Understand local ballot issues (funding, charter changes, referendums)
✅ Share what you learn with friends, family, and neighbors
Final Word
Understanding candidate roles and ballot issues isn’t just about being “informed,” it’s about making sure your vote connects directly to the future of Greenwich. The people you elect will shape your schools, neighborhoods, taxes, and environment. The issues you vote on will decide whether projects move forward or stall.
When you step into the voting booth this year, you’ll be making choices that affect your real life, right here at home. Take the time to learn, prepare, and cast a ballot that reflects your values and priorities.
Your voice matters. Your vote matters. And here in Greenwich, it makes a real difference.
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