Important Dates and Election Info
Here are the key dates for voting in Connecticut:
- Regular voter registration deadline: Friday, Oct. 18
- Same-day registration: Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 3; Tuesday, Nov. 5
- Deadline to submit absentee ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 8 p.m. (by mail or drop box); Monday, Nov. 4 (in-person to town clerk)
- Early voting: Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 3
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter Registration: Use the state’s voter portal to check your registration status.
- Absentee Voting: Only certain voters can request an absentee ballot, such as those who cannot appear at their polling place on Election Day due to absence, sickness, physical disability, or other approved reasons.
- Early In-Person Voting: Any registered voter can cast their ballot early from Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 3.
- Voting at the Polls: Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. You don’t need to show an ID unless you’re a first-time voter.
Recent Voting Changes in Connecticut
Here are some new voting laws that might affect you:
- Connecticut now offers early in-person voting. There are four days of early voting for the presidential primary, seven days for the state primary, and 14 days for the general election.
- Nursing home residents who apply for an absentee ballot within six days before polls close can choose someone to deliver their ballot.
- Only the voter can apply for an additional absentee ballot.
- In November, voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to allow no-excuse absentee balloting.
How to Register to Vote
- Online: Use the state’s online voter registration system by Friday, Oct. 18, at 11:59 p.m. You will need a valid Connecticut driver’s license, learner’s permit, or nondriver photo ID issued by the DMV, and a signature on file with the DMV.
- By Mail: Print a voter registration form, fill it out, and mail it to your registrar of voters. Be sure to include postage. The form must be postmarked by Friday, Oct. 18.
- In Person: Go to your registrar of voters or town clerk by 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. You can also register at the DMV, public libraries, and social service agencies. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID.
Connecticut also offers same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day at designated locations. You will not be able to register at polling places.
Checking Your Registration Status
You can check your registration status using the state’s voter portal.
Same-Day Registration
If you miss the registration deadline, you can still register and vote on the same day during early voting (Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 3) and on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5). Check with your registrar of voters for the designated locations. Note that same-day registration is not available at regular polling places.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Absentee ballots are available only to those who cannot make it to their polling place on Election Day for an approved reason. These include sickness, physical disability, or duties as an elected official at another polling place. Connecticut also expanded eligibility to include caregivers, people out of town, and those concerned about a condition that could be aggravated by exposure to disease, like COVID-19.
If you have a permanent disability, you can apply for a permanent absentee ballot with a letter from your healthcare provider. Contact your town clerk for details.
Here’s how to apply for an absentee ballot:
- Online: Use the state’s absentee ballot portal to request a ballot.
- By Mail: Download and fill out the application for an absentee ballot, then mail it to your town clerk. You can also contact your town clerk to request an application be mailed to you.
- By Fax: Fax the completed application to your town clerk if they have a fax machine. However, you must still mail the original application separately or with your completed absentee ballot.
- In Person: Visit your town clerk’s office to apply for an absentee ballot.
Applications must be received by Monday, Nov. 4, but it’s best to allow enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you. If it’s close to Election Day, request a ballot in person from your town clerk’s office through close of business on Monday, Nov. 4.
If you have an unforeseen illness or physical disability within six days of Election Day, you can submit an emergency application for an absentee ballot.
For military and overseas voters, more information is available on the secretary of the state’s website.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
- By Mail: Mail your completed ballot to your town clerk. It must be received (not just postmarked) by 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5).
- Via Drop Box: Deposit your completed ballot in your local drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your local drop box using the state’s voter portal.
- In Person: Hand-deliver your ballot to your town clerk by the close of business on Monday, Nov. 4. An immediate family member (or a designee if you’re ill or have a disability) can deliver the ballot for you by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Check the status of your ballot using the state’s voter portal.
Voting In Person Before Election Day
You can vote early from Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including weekends. Extended hours are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and Thursday, Oct. 31. Locations will be available on the secretary of the state’s website or by contacting your registrar of voters.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Use the state’s voter portal to find your assigned polling place. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.
Sample ballots will be available on the secretary of the state’s website when they are ready.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
You do not need a photo ID to vote in Connecticut unless you are a first-time voter. You will be asked to show identification, but you may also sign an affidavit to confirm your identity. If you are a first-time voter, you may need to show a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, or a non-photo ID like a utility bill or bank statement with your name and address.
Voting with a Disability
If you have a permanent disability, you can apply to your town clerk to automatically receive an absentee ballot for each election.
Each polling place has an accessible ballot marking device if you prefer to vote in person. If you need assistance casting your ballot, either in person or by absentee ballot, you may choose someone to help you, as long as that person is not your employer, union representative, or their agent.
Find more information about accessible voting on the secretary of the state’s website.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility
If you live in a nursing home or assisted living facility, you can participate in supervised absentee voting. Find more information on the secretary of the state’s website or contact your registrar of voters.
Under a law passed in 2024, nursing home residents who apply for an absentee ballot within six days before polls close can choose a designee to deliver their ballot.
