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The 2018 midterm elections took place on November 6, 2018 where Democrats won the overwhelming majority of votes in the state of Connecticut.

2018 is not a presidential year, but it is a year with federal, local and state elections. The citizens of Hamden may have different views, but one thing they all have in common is that they’re seeking change.

Hamden Resident, Ed Ryan said, “I’d like to see a government that focuses on the economy to become strong. For things to be made in America and bought in America.”

Change comes from those who decide to use their voice and vote. Many Quinnipiac students stood in registration and voting lines for the first time, just so that they can take part in the change of our local government.

Quinnipiac University sophomore Zach Ficorilli said, “I’d like to see a lot of fresh new ideas. I’d like to see more younger people getting in there, who are not so by the rulebook, trying to follow the norm. I want to see things get shaken up.”

Some Hamden residents believe having millennials take part in voting is beneficial.

Hamden resident, Michael Benn said, “The more people who are voting with their demographic, the more accurate it is going to reflect what the growing needs of the nation are, as opposed to an aging typical voter.”

While other residents differ in their views.

“I feel like the younger generation of today is looking for more things to be handed to them,” Ryan said. “Back in the old days, we had to work for every little thing we got … sometimes I think that influences politicians to be giving more than they should.”

Once local polls closed, votes came in. Early on November 7, 2018, votes confirmed Democrat, Ned Lamont is the Connecticut governor-elect. Lamont’s opponent, Republican, Bob Stefanowski, fell behind in the polls by 1.3 percent. Stefanowski published a statement to Facebook following the results.

Across Connecticut citizens voted Democratic, this means that Connecticut will remain a blue state.

Christopher Murphy was elected in the U.S. Senate. Denise Merrill was elected for her third term as Connecticut’s Secretary of the State and William Tong was elected attorney general in the state of Connecticut. All three politicians identify as Democrats.