One of the most critical ways that individuals can influence governmental decision-making is through voting. When people cast their votes in elections, they are encouraged to vote their conscience for candidates and resolutions that will have an impact on how their community thrives.

We, at the CTLCV Education Fund believe protection of the environment should be on everyone’s minds when voting, however, we acknowledge that there's a lot more work to do to make sure our state receives and counts every eligible ballot casted by voters who are seeking positive change.
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In pursuit of a fair and just democracy, CTLCV Education Fund is working to protect and expand voting rights in Connecticut.

TWEET YOUR LAWMAKERS

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CTLCVEF SUPPORTS ABSENTEE VOTING IN ELECTIONS

COVID-19 has made in-person voting unsafe for Connecticut voters. In order to ensure both the public's safety and an inclusive and fair voting process for the 2020 elections, Gov. Lamont signed an executive order mandating every registered voter receive an absentee ballot for the primary elections.

Connecticut lawmakers must go further by changing the state Constitution to allow for every eligible voter to vote by mail in future elections. Our elected officials have an obligation to take the necessary steps so that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without concern for their health or safety and to increase ballot access for our underrepresented communities.

THANK YOU, GOVERNOR LAMONT!

Governor Lamont has issued an Executive Order to expand our state's Vote by Mail procedures for the Primary election on August 11. Now it is the job of our State Legislators to fix the state's absentee ballot laws in a June Special Session and ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot safely by mail if they choose.

WHY VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT IN 2020?

Expanding absentee ballot voting provisions to allow every CT voter to vote-by-mail is critical to strengthening our democracy by increasing voter turnout while providing safe ballot access during COVID-19. Everyone's voice should be heard. This builds on CTLCVEF’s long term effort to educate communities on voting rights to activate a new base of voters. We are expanding our outreach to communities that have long been underrepresented and are being hit harder during the pandemic.

HOW TO VOTE IN THIS YEAR'S ELECTIONS

1. Register to vote.
2. Download and print the application.
3. Apply for an Absentee Ballot. This year, SOTS Merrill will send applications to all eligible voters with postage paid for. 
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4. ​Fill out your Absentee Ballot and mail to your Town Clerk in any envelope or bring it to your Town Hall if they are open.
5. Ballot boxes will not be open before October 2nd so you cannot drop your application in that box yet.

If you download the application and submit it, you should not receive a duplicate in the mail. If you have submitted an application and still receive one in the mail, please contact your Town Clerk to be sure that your application was received and processed.   ​

VOTING RIGHTS NECESSITIES

• Voter Education
• Expanded Absentee Ballot Provisions
• Automatic Voter Registration
• Early Voting

• Ranked Choice Voting
• Voter Registration Eligibility
• End Voter Suppression

TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN CONNECTICUT YOU MUST:

• Be a United States citizen;
• Be a resident of a Connecticut town;
• Be at least 17 years old (must turn 18 on or before Election Day); 17 year olds, who will tune 18 on or before election day may participate in the general primary;
• Have completed confinement and parole if previously convicted of a disenfranchising felony.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR NEW VOTERS

PRIMARY: Your application must be submitted by the 5th day before a primary OR received by your Registrar of Voters or a voter registration agency by the 5th day before a primary. You may apply in person to your town clerk or registrar until 12:00 noon on the last business day before a primary.

ELECTION: Your application must be submitted or received by a voter registration agency by the 7th day before an election OR you may register in person with you Registrar of Voters by the 7th day before an election.

MORE INFORMATION

• Read SOTS Denise Merrill's plan to send absentee ballots to all voters
• Secretary of State Denise Merrill says, "It's time to allow voting by mail"
• During Pandemic, Lamont wants Vote-By-Mail Option
• Common Cause CT and CT Citizen Action Group's talking points on 2020 Draft Special Session Bill