General Questions

General Questions

General Questions / Elections Questions

Q: When do I register to vote?

  • Deadlines to register are as follows:
    • Based on today’s statutory requirements, you must be registered at least 7 days before a general November Election. You may register from 9 AM to 5 PM the day before any Election if you turn 18, become a US citizen, or have just moved into the town after the 7 day deadline.
    • Starting in 2013 you may also register to vote at the office of the Registrars of Voters (Elections Division) on Election Day – 6 AM – 8 PM, if you missed all the other dates.
  • If you wish to vote in a Primary Election:
    • If you are a new voter or joining a party from an unaffiliated status:
      1. Your application must be postmarked by the 5th day before a Primary (OR received by your Registrar of Voters or a voter registration agency by the 5th day before a primary). 
      2. You also can apply in person to any Registrar of Voters Office until 5 PM on the last business day before a Primary.
        • If you are in One Major party and want to join another major party: It is a 90 day waiting time until your rights have matured.
        • If you live at school part of the year, you may register in either that town or in your hometown, but only one.
        • You can get all the registration forms you need HERE

Q: How do I register to vote?

  • You may register to vote IN PERSON at:
    • Election Departments in any city/town hall in Connecticut during the normal business hours
    • Special registration sessions held anywhere in the State
    • Your home
  • BY MAIL : Applications are available from:
    • Motor vehicle offices
    • public libraries
    • post offices
    • military recruitment centers
    • State office where people apply for state assistance
    • many public and private organizations
    • Agencies also make voter registration cards available
    • Websites
    • from your Registrar of Voters
  • You may also register on any Election web sites.

Q: Can I register to vote before I am 18?

  1. You may pre-register beginning when you are 17 years old. Once you are pre-registered, you will automatically be added to the voting list & eligible to vote when you turn 18.
  2. If you register with a major political party when you are 17 – You will be allowed to vote in that party’s primary as a 17 year old as long as you are 18 by that November Election.

Q: What are the requirements to be able to register?

  • You must be:
    • United State Citizen
    • resident of a Connecticut Town
    • At least 17 years of age
    • If you have been convicted of a felony and you have completed your confinement and parole, you can regain your right to vote. You must contact your local Registrar of Voters of your town to get your right to vote restored.

Q: Will I ever have to re-register?

  • You must re-register ONLY when you move to another Connecticut town.
  • If you change your name (for example, by marriage), or your address in town, notify the Office of the Registrar of Voters in your community.
  • If you receive a postcard or letter from the Registrar of Voters asking if your name and address are still current, please SEND IT BACK to be certain your name will not be removed from the voter list.

Q: Will I be called for jury duty if I register to vote?

  • Jury lists are selected randomly from lists provided by:
    • Department of Motor Vehicles
    • Department of Revenue Services
    • Department of Labor
    • Registrars of Voters
    • Certain Social Services Agencies
    • Utility Companies
    You have just as much of a chance to be selected as a juror if you drive or pay taxes as you do if you are a registered voter.

Q: Do I have to Vote in any special place?

  • Yes, you must vote in the polling place that is assigned for where you live. Election Ballots are different, depending on the candidates that are running at each Election.