NORWICH – Up until the final moments of today’s election, the Democratic and Republican parties will be contacting their local faithful to ensure they get every vote they can.

Volunteers from both parties said they have spent the weeks leading up to Election Day making phone calls, answering questions and traveling door-to-door.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in this year’s election. People come in all the time, people who have never come in before. Even those that have been around are very energized by the increased enthusiasm we’re seeing in voters,” said volunteer Gilda Ward Monday while manning the Republican headquarters on South Broad Street in Norwich.

Ward said thousands of calls had been made and that the party was offering rides to anyone who can’t make it to the ballot box. She said citizens should call the headquarters at 334-4014 if they need transportation or have any questions.

Vicky Goodchild, another GOP volunteer, and her two daughters were making signs and answering questions posed by the half-dozen visitors who trickled in from the street.

When asked why they volunteered, Goodchild said, “Voting is one of our basic rights. Not just our right, but our responsibility as a good citizens to get involved in the process. Our duty, if you will.”