West Hartford Absentee Ballot Rules, How To Get Them

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town clerk's office has reported a large number of requests for absentee ballot applications from locally based political campaigns.

In an announcement from the clerk's office regarding absentee ballots, the town clerk said this is allowed.

"Anyone can be a distributor of five or more absentee ballot applications as long as it’s disclosed with the town clerk’s Office," reads a statement from the West Hartford Town Clerk's Office.

" The town clerk’s office, however, never sends out unsolicited applications, nor are ballots ever sent out without a valid application."

As a result, some residents may receive unsolicited – or multiple – applications which may cause some confusion, town officials said.

"If you did not request nor do you need an absentee ballot, simply discard it," wrote the West Hartford Town Clerk's office. "The campaigns have indicated that they intend to mail applications the week of Oct. 3."

Anyone voting by absentee ballot must follow the law and there remain specific eligibility requirements in Connecticut for voting by absentee ballot.

They include active service in the Armed Forces of the United States, absence from my town of residence, sickness, physical disability, duties as an election official at a polling place other than my own during voting hours or religious tenets forbid secular activity on the day of the election.

Applications may be picked up in the West Hartford Town Clerk’s office or downloaded from of the town clerk’s website.

Once applications are received, ballots are then mailed out.

Absentee Ballots will be mailed and will be available starting Friday, Oct. 7.

Voters may also come in person to obtain the application and receive a ballot.

"Please note, that each person who applies for an application must sign it with an original signature – parents cannot sign for their child or spouse," wrote the clerk's office.

Absentee ballot applications can be deposited in the secure drop boxes at the entrance to West Hartford Town Hall or in the box at the Faxon Library in Elmwood.

Completed ballots may be deposited in the drop boxes as well.

Applications as well as completed ballots can also be mailed to West Hartford Town Clerk, 50 S. Main St., Room 313, West Hartford, CT 06107. Questions regarding absentee ballots may be sent to Elections@WestHartfordCT.gov.