Voting in Connecticut

Get more information on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting elections in Connecticut.

Upcoming Elections and Deadlines in Connecticut

Statewide & Federal
Local

Voter Registration In Connecticut

Who Can Register In Connecticut

To register to vote in Connecticut, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of Connecticut
- Be at least 17 years old and turning 18 by the election
- Not have been convicted of a felony, or have been convicted but have completed confinement and parole

You must register to vote with your Registrar of Voters or a voter registration agency at least 7 days before a general election you wish to vote in, or 5 days before a primary election. You can also register on Election Day (see more under “Election Day Registration”).

Connecticut Election Day Registration

If you’re eligible to vote in Connecticut but have not yet registered, you can register and vote at a designated Election Day registration location in your town on Election Day. Election Day registration is only available for general elections (not including primaries).

Pre-registration

You can pre-register to vote in Connecticut if you will turn 18 by the next election.

Voting Rights Restoration

Connecticut does restore the right to vote upon completion of confinement and parole. If you have been convicted out of state or in federal court, Connecticut does not restore your right to vote until you have paid all fines associated with the conviction. If you have been convicted of a violation of Title 9 of Connecticut Election statutes, Connecticut does restore the right to vote until you have been discharged from probation as well.

If you have a past conviction, learn more about your eligibility to vote here.

Voting In Connecticut

Where To Vote In Connecticut

You can search for your polling place here.

Vote-by-mail & Absentee

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Connecticut with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters can use the excuse “COVID-19” to request an absentee ballot.

To request an absentee ballot in Connecticut, complete an application, print, affix your original, non-digital signature, and mail to your town clerk. Clerks are permitted to accept applications via email or fax, but you must follow up with the original application copy by the close of polls on Election Day.

To return your Connecticut absentee ballot, return it via mail, via your town’s secure drop box, or in person at your town clerk’s office. If returned in person, your ballot must be dropped off the day before Election Day.

Early Voting In Connecticut

Connecticut does not offer early voting, but does offer in-person absentee voting (see more under Vote-by-mail and Absentee).

Primary Elections In Connecticut

Connecticut has closed primaries. Voters registered with a particular party may only vote in that party's primary. 17-year-olds can vote in the primary election if they will be 18 by the corresponding general election.

Voter ID In Connecticut

Voter ID Requirements

ID is required
to vote in Connecticut. Valid forms of ID include:
- Social security card
- Any pre-printed form of identification that shows your name and address, or name and signature, or name and photograph

If you go to your polling place without an approved form of ID as described above, you can vote a regular ballot by signing an affidavit in lieu of ID.

If you are a first time voter who registered by mail after January 1, 2003, and are voting for the first time in an primary/election with federal candidates on the ballot, and have a "mark" next to your name on the official registry list, you must present one of the following:
- A copy of a current and valid photo identification that shows your name and address
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address

If you are required to present the above ID at the polls and do not do so, you can vote a provisional ballot.

Additional Connecticut Resources

Your State Election Official

Connecticut Secretary of State
Denise W. Merrill
https://portal.ct.gov/en/SOTS
Phone number: 860.509.6200

Overseas & Military Voting

Voting As A Student

Voting For People With Disabilities

Learn more about voting in Connecticut if you have a disability.

Voting For People With Convictions

If you have a past conviction, learn more about your eligibility to vote from Restore Your Vote.