Stick with the incumbent or choose a new direction? That's the decision facing Connecticut voters Nov. 3 as Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont seeks a third term against Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio.
The candidates have offered competing approaches to some of the state's biggest issues, including taxes, housing and electricity costs, as voters prepare to choose who will lead Connecticut for the next four years.
Here's what Connecticut voters should know about the candidates, their priorities and how to cast a ballot in the Nov. 3 election:
Lamont, 72, has served as Connecticut's governor since 2019 after building a telecommunications company and previously serving on the Greenwich Board of Selectmen. He is seeking a third term, arguing his administration has strengthened the state's finances while expanding tax relief and investments in education, transportation and families.
He is running alongside Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut's former secretary of state. She has served as lieutenant governor since 2019.
Lamont's campaign priorities include:
Lamont has highlighted his record on programs including Connecticut Paid Leave, Covered Connecticut and a statewide cap on municipal vehicle tax rates. Critics argue many residents continue to struggle with high housing, utility and living costs despite the state's improved fiscal condition.
Fazio, a Republican state senator from Greenwich, was first elected to the Connecticut Senate in a 2021 special election. He previously worked in the investment industry and is seeking to become governor after five years in the legislature.
He is running alongside Matt Corey, a veteran, business owner and Manchester resident.
Fazio has centered his campaign on making Connecticut more affordable, arguing that high taxes, electricity bills and government spending have made it increasingly difficult for families and businesses to remain in the state.
Fazio's campaign priorities include:
Fazio's tax plan calls for reducing Connecticut's four lowest marginal income tax rates over four years, alongside spending reductions and changes to state borrowing. Critics have questioned whether the proposed cuts could affect funding for municipal aid and social services.
Connecticut's general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters who are in line when polls close at 8 p.m. will still be allowed to cast a ballot.
Polling locations vary by town and voting district.
Residents can check their voter registration status and find their assigned polling place using the Connecticut Secretary of the State's voter lookup tool.
Early voting for the November election runs from Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Every Connecticut municipality has at least one designated early voting location. These locations may differ from voters' regular Election Day polling places.
Voters can find their town's early voting site through the Secretary of the State's early voting directory.
The regular voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 election is Friday, Oct. 16.
Eligible residents can register online by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 16. Mail-in registration applications must be postmarked by that date.
Connecticut also allows eligible residents to register and vote on the same day during the early voting period and on Election Day.
Same-day registration is available at designated locations, which are not necessarily the same as regular Election Day polling places.
Residents should contact their town's registrar of voters for details about same-day registration locations and identification requirements.
Connecticut voters can now request absentee ballots without providing a specific reason or excuse.
The change follows legislation implementing the state's 2024 constitutional amendment expanding absentee voting access.
Eligible registered voters can request a ballot through the Connecticut Online Absentee Ballot Request Portal.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Monday, Nov. 2.
Completed absentee ballots must be received by the appropriate town clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3, to be counted. A postmark by Election Day is not sufficient if the ballot arrives after the deadline.
Voters can return completed ballots according to state instructions, including by mail or through authorized ballot drop boxes.
Voters are encouraged to request and return absentee ballots as early as possible to ensure they arrive before the deadline.
For additional information, visit the Secretary of the State's absentee voting page.
Connecticut residents can use the following official resources to prepare for the Nov. 3 election:
More election information is available at MyVote.CT.gov.
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