Connecticut Voting Guide

When is Connecticut's voter registration deadline?

• In-person/online: 7 days before Election Day
• By mail: Postmarked 7 days before Election Day

Reminder: If you miss the deadline, you can still register to vote on Election Day at your Election Day Registration location. (You will also vote at this location if you register the same day.)

How do I request an absentee ballot in Connecticut?

In order to vote by absentee ballot in Connecticut, a voter must have one of the following reasons for being unable to vote at a polling place on Election Day:

• You have a physical disability that prevents you from voting
• You are a member of the military on active duty
• You will be absent from your town of residence during voting hours
• Your religious beliefs preclude secular activity on Election Day
• You will be working as an election official at a different polling place during voting hours

If one of these reasons applies to you, you may apply for an absentee ballot. There are different application forms for the general election or for a referendum. There is also an emergency absentee ballot request if it is within 6 days of an election. You can download these forms at the Secretary of State's website.

• Absentee ballots are mailed beginning: 31 days before an election, 21 days before a primary, or 19 days before a referendum
• Absentee ballots are due: By the close of polls on Election Day

For military and overseas voters: Military and overseas voters can use the Federal Voting Assistance Program to register and request an absentee ballot. You can do this online, by fax, or by mail.

Your local municipal clerk in the town you are registered in will send you the appropriate ballot. You can contact them if you have questions about the status of your ballot.

Vote and follow the instructions for returning the absentee ballot to your local municipal clerk. You can return your completed ballot by mail, fax, or e-mail as long as it is received by the close of the polls on Election or Primary Day. You can check the status of the ballot here.

What do I need to bring to the polls in Connecticut?

You will need some form of identification when you go to the polls, but a photo ID is not required. The following forms of ID are acceptable for voting purposes:

ID Requirements for First-Time Voters

If you are voting for the first time in a primary or general election with federal candidates on the ballot AND there is a mark next to your name on the official registry list, then you must present:

• a current, valid photo ID that shows your name and address;
• a government document that shows your name and address; or
• a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check.

If you do not have any of these forms of identification, you will need to vote using a provisional ballot. You will need to provide a valid form of identification at a later time or your provisional ballot will not be counted. Be sure you are in the right precinct! Connecticut does not count provisional ballots that are cast in the wrong precinct.

ID Requirements for All Other Voters

You may use your social security card or any pre-printed identification that shows your name and address, name and signature, or name and photograph.

If you do not have any of these forms of ID, you will be asked to sign a form under penalty of false statement stating that you are the person whose name appears on the official checklist.

What special accommodations are available?

Federal and state law requires that polling places be accessible to all voters. If you are concerned about the accessibility of your polling place, contact your Registrars of Voters.

At your polling place, you can ask the Moderator for accommodations including:

• Moving to the front of the line or sitting in the polling station if you have difficulty standing in line for a length of time.
• Using a touch screen display rather than a pen and paper to mark your ballot, or making your choice audibly.
• Having someone help you mark or cast your ballot — as long as they are not your employer, an agent of your employer or your union, or a candidate whose name is on the ballot (unless they are also your family member).
• You can ask to vote curbside if you are unable to access the polling place.
• You can also vote by absentee ballot if you live in a care facility.
• You may be eligible to apply for a permanent absentee ballot if you have a permanent disability. Contact your municipal clerk for details. (Find contact information here).
• You can receive an emergency absentee ballot if you have been hospitalized within 6 days of the election.

What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?

Report the following violations and related complaints to the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission or by calling 1-866-733-2463.

• You were turned away at the polls even though you were in line before the polls closed
• A poll worker acted improperly
• You asked for accommodations for a disability and you did not receive the assistance you needed, in violation of the Help America Vote Act
• You have information about fraudulent voter registration activity

Notify the Moderator at your polling place of the following violations. Or, contact the SEEC (see above), or file an election complaint report with the U.S. Justice Department.

• You experienced voter intimidation or harassment
• There was campaigning taking place at or near the polling station
• You believe you saw fraudulent voting activity at your polling place

You can also contact a lawyer experienced in voting law if you feel your voting rights have been violated.