There will be a primary for the Republican party on Tuesday, Aug. 13 for voters to choose the Republican nominee for Connecticut’s senate race. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on primary day. Early voting begins Monday, Aug. 05.

The primary is between Gerry Smith of Beacon Falls and Matthew Corey of Manchester. Smith is the endorsed candidate. Voters must be registered Republicans to vote in the primary.

In Old Saybrook, District One voters will cast ballots at Old Saybrook Middle School, and District Two will vote at Old Saybrook High School. Voters in Clinton and Westbrook will cast ballots at their town halls.

Early voting will start eight days prior to the primary. Polls will be open on Monday, Aug. 5, Wednesday, Aug. 7, Friday, Aug. 9, Saturday, Aug. 10, and Sunday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, and Thursday, Aug. 8, the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

During the early voting period, registrars will be on hand to observe the process. Voters will be checked in and checked out after they vote.

The votes will not be counted until the primary date.

People who are new to town or who become of age and wish to vote early in the primary can do so by registering to vote by noon one business day before the day they intend to vote.

People who are new to town or who become of age and wish to vote on primary day must register by noon on Aug. 12.

The Candidates

Gerry Smith

Smith is a four-term first selectman from Beacon Falls. According to his website, Smith has experience as an owner of a mortgage banking firm but currently works as an insurance agent. He lists the economy, the border, family values, and the opioid crisis as issues he’d like to work on if elected. For more information, visit www.gerrysmithforsenate.com.

Matthew Corey

Corey served in the U.S. Navy from 1982-’87. Since then, he started Advanced Services International, which provides window cleaning services for high-rise buildings throughout Connecticut. Corey has also opened two pubs in the Hartford area. At press time, his website listed no specific issues central to his campaign. For more information, visit www.coreyforsenate.com.

The winner of the statewide primary will take on Democratic incumbent Chris Murphy and Independent candidate Robert Hyde in November’s election.