Everything You Need To Know About Election Day In CT

CONNECTICUT — It may be an "off" year as far as national elections go, but in Connecticut municipalities, it's bloodsport in the lead-up to Election Day, Nov. 7.

Positions as mayor, first selectman, and town council are up for grabs statewide, and the political spotlight shone nationally on education boards has ignited interest in local elections across the country.

Absentee ballots become available to voters on Oct. 6, and they have until Oct. 31 to pull the trigger. By that date, registration paperwork must either be received in-person by registrars or have been postmarked.

Nov. 6 is the last day to get an absentee ballot in person at your local town clerk’s office.

It's never been easier to vote in Connecticut, but first you must be registered. Are you? The Connecticut Secretary of State's Office provides this online tool to help you sort it out.

If you're not registered to vote, get registered. You can do that online here. To be eligible to vote in your November municipal elections, you must be a United States citizen living in Connecticut, and at least 17 and turning 18 on or before Election Day. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must have completed confinement.

Residents mailing in their registration should make sure it is both postmarked and received by Oct. 31. The deadline's the same if you opt to deliver it in person.

Connecticut also offers Election Day Registration, for those who need it, at a designated EDR location in each town, beginning at 6 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m. Be prepared to provide ID and proof of residency, and to wait on a long line. If you are still in line at the EDR site at 8 p.m., you can remain there to complete your registration and vote.

Absentee ballots are available to residents who are active, registered voters, and have filled out an absentee ballot application. Those can be downloaded here, or requested in person at your town clerk's office by Nov. 6.

Once you have filled out your absentee ballot, you may return it by mail, in person or by fax to the town clerk, or via the secure drop box that the state has provided in each town. The deadline for in-person delivery is Nov. 6 by 8 p.m. If you're using fax or mail, the deadline is Election Day, Nov. 7, also before the close of the polls at 8 p.m.

College students living away from home may either complete an absentee ballot for the election in their hometown, or register to vote in their college town.

Military and overseas voters can request an absentee ballot by using either the state's absentee ballot application or the federal post card application.

On the Big Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and anyone still in the queue when the polls close must still have their vote counted. You can find your polling place online here.

Next year, it will be even easier to vote in Connecticut. Earlier this year, Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation that mandates 14 days of early voting for general elections. The new law will go into effect Jan. 1.