How to vote in Connecticut

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Summary

Connecticut offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Connecticut you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be a resident of Connecticut and of the town in which you wish to vote
  • be at least 17 years old and be at least 18 years old 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 if previously convicted of a felony, and have had your voting rights restored by Registrars of Voters

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Connecticut's site.

Can I vote early?

No, early voting in person before Election Day is not offered in this election. However, you may be eligible to vote an absentee ballot. Find the eligibility requirements for absentee voting and contact your Town Clerk to check if you can visit their office to request and return an absentee ballot in person.

What do I need to bring?

You may be asked to show ID to vote in Connecticut.

Acceptable forms include:
  • Social Security card
  • any pre-printed form of ID that shows your name and address, name and signature, or name and photograph

If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, you will need to show proof of residence as well.

Acceptable forms include:
  • current and valid photo ID that shows your name and address
  • copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address

Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to sign an affidavit instead and then vote normally. If you're a first-time voter without ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Connecticut’s site.

Can I vote early?

No, Connecticut does not offer early voting in person before Election Day. However, you may be eligible to vote an absentee ballot. Find the eligibility requirements for absentee voting and contact your Town Clerk to check if you can visit their office to request and return an absentee ballot in person.

How do I vote by mail?

Connecticut allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Connecticut's site.

How do I get my ballot?

Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.

What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your Town Clerk.

How do I return my ballot?

What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Connecticut’s site.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Connecticut does offer registration on Election Day at designated locations in each town beginning at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. It is not available at your polling place.

How do I see what's on my ballot?

View your sample ballot on the Connecticut Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

How do I get help registering to vote?

TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your Town Clerk for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your Town Clerk may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your Town Clerk.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your Town Clerk.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your Town Clerk first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your Town Clerk.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Connecticut. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Connecticut's voter registration lookup tool.

How do I contact my state election office?

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Connecticut, the Registrar of Voters and Town Clerk run voter registration and elections in your area. The Registrar of Voters can help you with questions about registering to vote, and the Town Clerk can help you with questions about voting, including voting by mail.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Connecticut. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find the contact information for the Registrar of Voters or the Town Clerk.