Election day is almost here! Voting is one of the fundamental rights of living in a democracy, it is time to make sure your voice is heard! We’ve broken down the steps for both voting in person on election day or voting by mail/absentee, and provided a list of resources to support you in making your vote decisions!
Step 1: Check your voter registration and/ register to vote
- Check your Connecticut Registration Here
- You must update your address every time you move, as your voting location is tied to your physical address.
- October 27th is the last day to register to vote in Connecticut!
- If you are voting outside of CT, you can go to Vote.org or your state’s secretary of state’s office website to register to vote
- Most states will allow you to register through an online portal
Step 2a: Learn About Vote By Mail
** In Connecticut all ballots are due by close of polls at 8pm on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3rd 2020)
- All Connecticut registered voters were mailed an absentee ballot application automatically in September.
- Anyone in voting in Connecticut can use COVID-19 as an excuse to vote absentee
- Didn’t get yours? Print out one using this downloadable PDF and drop it in a designated Ballot Drop Box or deliver directly to your town’s Registrar of Voters
- Absentee ballots can be returned by designated drop boxes, in person, or by mail (give at least 14 days before Election Day).
- If you are a NEW/First Time Voter you must include a photo copy of ID (valid driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, pay check, government check, or other government document that shows your name and address)
Step 2b: Explore your day of voting options
- Where is your polling place?
- Find your Connecticut Polling Location using the CT Secretary of State’s Website Here
- Not voting in Connecticut? Use Vote.org’s polling locator
- Polling locations are open from 6am-8pm
- As long as you are in line at 8pm, the poll workers MUST let you vote, no matter how long it takes
- Bring valid ID: Valid driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, pay check, government check, or other government document that shows your name and address (matching the address you are registered to vote)
- Know your rights at the polls!
- ACLU’s Voter Rights Webpage
- Connecticut Election Day Hotline 1-866-SEEC-INFO (1-866-733-2463)
Step 3: Research the Candidates & Review Your Ballot
- Valley Area Voter Guides
- Derby Voter Guide
- Watch for local updates by the Valley Independent Sentinel
- Connecticut Voter Guide
- CBIA Candidate Look-up
- CT Post Voter Guide
- CT News Junkie Voter Guide
- CT Secretary of State’s Office Website Town by Town Ballots
- National
- Ballotpedia- Candidate information & ballot information Website Here
- Social Media– Most major candidates have active social media accounts which will give you an insight into their policies and priorities.