HAMDEN -- The two Democratic candidates for the 91st Assembly District, John Flanagan and Michael D'Agostino, will face each other in a debate at 7:45 p.m. July 26 in the cultural center in the new building of Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Drive.

Flanagan has been endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee and the Aug. 14 primary will determine who will be the Democratic candidate for the 91^st House seat currently held by retiring state Rep. Peter Villano. Joseph Bertini is the Republican candidate. 

The debate is free and open to the public. Parking will be available on the upper level of the parking garage at Whitney Center.

Last month, D'Agostino raised the $5,000 necessary to qualify for campaign finance assistance from the state. Flanagan on Tuesday said he hasn't yet collected the money from 150 people. The deadline to qualify is July 15.

Also in a primary battle on Aug. 14 are the two candidates for probate judge, former mayor Craig B. Henrici, endorsed by the town committee, and attorney Edward "Ned" Burt. Burt gathered more than 1,100 signatures for his candidacy, exceeding by hundreds the number needed to qualify for the primary, according to a statement from his campaign.

The probate district includes Hamden and Bethany. Longtime Probate Judge Sal Diglio will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 in August 2013, and the town received permission to hold a special election this November, while other elections were taking place.

Noon on Aug. 13 is the deadline to enroll in a party if unaffiliated, according to the Hamden Registrar of Voters. You may also register at the Town Clerk’s office, the library, the DMV, or by mail; however, the deadline in these cases is  Aug. 9 (post-mark, if mailed). 

The Registrar’s office is located in Hamden Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Ave., and is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.  On Tuesday, July31  the office will remain open until 7:00 PM. 

To register, you should bring identification and something with your current Hamden address if not on the ID.   Examples of ID include driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document containing your name and address.

People who have moved into Hamden need to re-register, even if previously registered in another town.  Voters who have moved within town or changed their name should update their registration by filling out a new registration form.  Seventeen-year olds may pre-register if they will be eighteen on or before November 6 and they may qualify to vote if they register with a party.

The Registrars caution residents who registered by mail or at a location other than the Registrar’s office and who have not received a letter of confirmation to call the office to confirm their status. 

For absentee ballots, contact the Town Clerk at 287-7112.  For further information and registration forms, call 287-7081 or visit the town website, http://www.hamden.com/, and click on the Voting and Elections link under About Us.