By James Maroney
State Sen., D-14
James Maroney
Every year we vote. Election day is one day out of the year. If for whatever reason you can’t make it to the polls on that one day a year, you can’t exercise your right to vote. But this year is different. For the first time, residents in Connecticut can cast their ballot early, ahead of the election. Although new to Connecticut this year, 46 other states already offer some form of early voting.
Early voting allows you to vote in person safely and securely before election day. When you arrive at the early voting location, you will check in and be verified as an eligible voter. You will then receive your ballot with an envelope. You will complete your ballot at a privacy booth and seal it in the approved envelope. Before you leave, place the sealed envelope in the secure receptacle as instructed by the election officials. Ballots will be secured unopened until election day, when they will be opened and counted. Ballots cast during early voting will be sealed and stored securely in each town.
Absentee ballot voting requires a reason (from a list of six, found at MyVote.CT.gov). Early voting is available to every eligible voter without a specific reason. Early voting may be done only in-person, not via mail or drop box.
Voting is one of our most sacred rights and responsibilities. Making voting more accessible to our residents allows for more for people to participate in our democracy. Early voting provides convenience and flexibility, allowing people to vote at a time that suits their schedule. It also reduces the pressure on election day.
Each town or city will have at least one early voting location. If the population is 20,000 or more, the local legislative body will decide whether to have additional locations.
Early voting locations will be coming out soon. When the locations are released, you can go to the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s website to find out where a location is near you.
To register to vote online, use the state’s online voter registration system by Friday, Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m. You must have a current and valid driver’s license, learner’s permit or nondriver photo ID issued by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and a signature on file with the DMV.
To register by mail, print out a voter registration form, complete it and mail it to your registrar of voters. Be sure to include postage. Mailed applications must be postmarked by Friday, Oct. 18.
To register in person, visit your registrar of voters or town clerk by 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. You may also register at the Department of Motor Vehicles through close of business on Oct. 18.