FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE

on the ballot: no-excuse absentee voting

Vote like your life depends on it.
​Vote like your future depends on it.

IMPORTANT ELECTION & REGISTRATION DATES

For a full schedule of important dates, visit https://www.vote411.org/connecticut

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KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS

The ACLU has a list of voting rights that every voter should be aware of:

• Certain states require that the voter bring a photo ID to vote. Connecticut does not require a photo ID, although it is recommended that you bring some form of ID or proof of residency in your town.
• If you are already in line by 8PM, you can still vote. If the polling places close while you are in line, stay in line; you still are entitled to cast your vote.
• If you are at the correct polling place and the poll worker says that your name is not on the list, you are still entitled to a provisional ballot.
  • Election officials must determine afterwards whether you are qualified and registered to vote. If you are, then your ballot will be counted.
• Voter intimidation is illegal. This includes (but is not limited to) questioning voters about their qualifications to vote, impersonating an election official, and spreading false information about voter fraud and voter requirements. Non-English speakers and voters of color are often targeted.
  • Report any attempts at voter intimidation to the Election Protection Hotline at (866) 687-8683.
• Polling places are required by federal law to be accessible to voters with disabilities and older voters.
• ​You do not need to speak English to vote. 
• Voters who have difficulty reading or writing in English, and voters who have disabilities, are allowed by federal law to bring a person of their choice to assist them at the polls. (This person cannot be the voter's employer or an agent of their employer or union.)
• Voting hotlines for any questions, problems, or language barrier issues:
  • English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
  • Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
  • Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
  • Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683

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TIME OFF TO VOTE

​Know your rights regarding time off from work to vote:

• Connecticut state law allows every voter to request 2 hours of unpaid time off from work to vote on Election Day.
• Time off must be requested at least 2 days in advance.
• Employers can be fined up to $300 for not granting time off for voting.

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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 turn 18 on or before Election Day may participate in the general primary;
• Have completed confinement and parole if previously convicted of a disenfranchising felony.
• Register to vote here
• ​Check your voter registration here​

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​PRIMARY DEADLINE FOR NEW VOTERS: 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.

GENERAL ELECTION FOR NEW VOTERS: 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.

You can register online, by mail or in person. Learn more at voterregistration.ct.gov

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TIPS FOR VOTING IN PERSON:

• Where and how do I vote?
• Plan ahead, allow plenty of time, dress warmly, and wear a mask!
• Bring identification or proof of residency in the Town where you are voting. 
        NOTE: You can still vote without identification!
• If you have received your Absentee Ballot, you can still choose to vote in person.
• If you are already in line by 8PM, you can still vote.
• Report any attempts at voter intimidation to the Election Protection Hotline at (866) 687-8683
  • ​More information and resources regarding voter intimidation

For more information on voting in CT (English and Spanish) visit the Secretary of State website or call your Town Clerk.

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You Can VOTE by Absentee Ballot!

Follow the steps below to vote by Absentee Ballot and ensure your vote is counted.

ABSENTEE BALLOT CHECKLIST

​​1. Can I vote absentee?
2. Am I registered to vote in Connecticut?
​3. How can I get an Absentee Ballot application?
4. How can I track my Absentee Ballot?
5. How can I get more involved in Connecticut's voting rights?

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT

Step One
When you get your Application to Request an Absentee Ballot, fill it out immediately! You can decide later if you want to vote Absentee or In-Person. You can also download a Spanish application.

Step Two
Return it to the Absentee Ballot Drop Box at the Town Hall where you reside or mail it in. 

Step Three
Your Application will be processed and an Absentee Ballot will be mailed to you. Vote Early to help your Town Clerks with processing the ballots.

Step Four
Use this link to track your Application and your Ballot: myvote.ct.gov/lookup

PLEASE NOTE: It’s preferable to use the Application for an Absentee Ballot form sent by the SOTS because it is barcoded and can be scanned by the Town Clerk. This will expedite the process. ​

If you do not receive an application form to request an Absentee Ballot from the SOTS in the mail, verify that you are still registered to vote, or if you’re a first time voter or newly registered voter, you can download an Application to Request an Absentee Ballot in English or Spanish and get answers to your questions here: myvote.ct.gov, or call your Town Clerk.

​Please note that the majority of rejected ballots are for not correctly following absentee ballot procedures, so be sure to check all guidelines included with your absentee ballot. Races can be won or lost by just a handful of votes per precinct!

Learn more about absentee ballots with the Absentee Ballot Fact Sheet.

VOTE AS SOON AS YOU GET YOUR BALLOT.

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BECOME A POLL WORKER

 

In 2020, the United States faced an unprecedented shortage of poll workers, but thanks to the efforts of over 700,000 individuals nationwide who answered the call through Power the Polls, we were able to address this challenge effectively.

• Become a poll worker
• Find your polling place here​

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ON THE BALLOT: NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING GENERAL QUESTION

Connecticut's laws for absentee voting, i.e. voting by mail, are among the most restrictive in the U.S. and are established in its constitution. The law currently requires people to have an excuse in order to vote using an absentee ballot.

A constitutional amendment is required to remove restrictions to vote by mail and allow for greater and easier access to the ballot. This November there will be a referendum question on the ballot that asks Connecticut voters if we want to amend the state's constitution to allow every voter access to absentee voting.

The question read’s “Shall the Constitution of the state be amended to permit the General Assembly to allow each voter to vote by absentee ballot?”. 

Voting “YES” to the referendum question this November means you’re in favor of registered voters having access to absentee voting without restrictions, which can significantly increase voter turnout, especially among those who might find it difficult to vote in person due to busy schedules, long distances to polling places, or other personal circumstances.

A “NO” vote means you want to keep the restrictions in place.

Briefing Paper (English)
Briefing Paper (Spanish)

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HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

CALL: 860-236-5442      EMAIL:  [email protected]

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING RIGHTS

• State of Connecticut Voter Fact Sheet
• Absentee Voting Briefing Paper
• Downloadable pdf of more important absentee voting precautions
• Voter Intimidation Statutes
• State Age Requirements for Voting