Absentee Ballot Information: Checks and Balances in Connecticut’s Absentee Ballot Process

Absentee Ballot Information: Checks and Balances in Connecticut’s Absentee Ballot Process

Connecticut Ballot Drop Boxes 2 angles
Type: 
Blog Post

Election Day is November 8, 2022

Since each state administers their absentee ballots differently, below is a step-by-step explanation of Connecticut’s process from application to the actual ballot. Wondering if you qualify for an absentee ballot? Find out HERE.

Step 1. The voter fills out and turns in an absentee ballot application.

  • Unlike other states, Connecticut requires voters to fill out an application before a voter can receive an absentee ballot. You can find the link for the application online at myvote.ct.gov on the Absentee Ballot Information page.
  • Return the completed application to the Town or City Clerk – you can either:
    • Mail it in.
    • Drop it in the Official Drop Box located outside your town or city hall. Note: there may be more than one drop box location, check your town/city website.
    • Hand it in to the Clerk’s office during business hours.
  • Once the application is received by the Town Clerk’s office, the Clerk will check to see if the applicant is in fact an active registered voter in their city or town and make sure the form is filled out correctly, signed and dated. If a voter is active, the application receives a number and moves forward in the process. The name and number may also be entered into a tracking system so that it can later be matched with the returned ballot. If the voter is not listed as an active voter, the Town Clerk will call or email the voter and inform them that they must register to vote before the application can be processed.

Step 2. The Town Clerk will mail or give an absentee ballot package to the voter.

  • Absentee ballots become available starting after October 7, 2022,  a month before the election.
  • The package includes: an absentee ballot, an inner envelope, an outer envelope, and explicit instructions on how to fill it out and return it in time for Election Day.
  • Once the ballot is returned either by mail, official drop box or in person by the voter or the voter’s designated assignee, the Town Clerk checks the ballot against the application and marks an “A” next to the voter’s name on the master list provided by the Registrar of Voters. If this same voter tries to vote in person on Election Day, the Election Moderator will turn them away since there will be an “A” next to their name signifying that they have already voted by absentee.

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Early Voting Here SignQuick Note on the Early Voting Referendum

Connecticut is one of 4 states that currently do not allow in-person early voting. But this year, voters will see this question on their ballot on November 8:

Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to allow for early voting?

The League recommends a "YES" vote on this question to give voters more options to vote in person other than Election Day.

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Use the Voter Registration Look Up tool to confirm your voter registration status and polling location.

For more information about candidates visit VOTE411.org/Connecticut and to sign up to recieve voter related news and updates or to join the League visit our Join Page.

League to which this content belongs: 
Connecticut