September 3, 2026
The Absentee Ballot Application Portal Opens on September 19
As of 2026, absentee ballots are available to ALL Connecticut voters upon request - no excuse needed! Ballots are issued on Friday, October 2 and can be requested from Saturday, September 19 up through Monday, November 2. Visit MyVote.CT.gov/absentee to learn more or request yours via the CT Online Absentee Ballot Request Portal.
Early Voting is October 19 through November 1
Early Voting locations are open 7 days a week 10 a.m to 6 p.m., with extended hours Tuesday, October 27, and Thursday, October 29 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Election Day is November 3
Polls are open on Tuesday, November 3 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling location at: MyVote.CT.gov/lookup
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Early Voting and Absentee Voting?
Early Voting happens in person—even on weekends!—before Election Day. Each town has at least one Early Voting location. As of 2026, there is no longer an envelope; instead, you will feed your completed ballot directly into the tabulator. There are 14 days of Early Voting before a general election and 7 days of Early Voting before a primary election. Note: There is no Early Voting the day before an election.
Absentee ballots are available to any eligible voter who submits an application. Completed ballots must be received by the Town Clerk no later than 8 PM on Election Day, either by hand, ballot drop box, or mail. Though many call it “vote-by-mail”, absentee ballots can be requested and returned without relying on the mail at all. As of 2026, you no longer need an excuse! It is still a two-step process. On the application, you will select whether you would like the ballot to be given to you personally at the Town Clerk's office or have it mailed to you.
You can request your absentee ballot starting 45 days before an election up until the day before that election. The ballots are then issued 30 days before an election. Apply through the state’s online portal, by mail, or in person at your Town Clerk’s office. After you receive and complete your ballot, you must return it in an envelope that you sign and seal. Election officials open returned absentee ballots only on Election Day.
If I miss the online and mail-in deadline, can I still register and vote?
Yes! You can register in person at your Registrars of Voters' office. You can also register during Early Voting or on Election Day using Same Day Registration (SDR), but the location may be different from your regular polling place. Call your city or town hall for locations before you head out to vote. Note: SDR is not available during primaries or special elections.
What is the earliest day I can vote in Connecticut?
Friday, October 2—the day absentee ballots are issued—is the earliest day you can vote. Any active voter may visit their Town Clerk to request, complete, and return their absentee ballot all in one visit.
Who can legally help me return my absentee ballot?
An immediate family member who lives with you,the person you designated on your ballot application, a Policeman, or your Registrar of Voters can help you return your ballot. Improper possession or return of another person’s absentee ballot is a Class D felony. Visit MyVote.CT.gov/absentee for complete details.
How can I track my absentee ballot?
Check the status of your ballot at MyVote.CT.gov/lookup or call the Town Clerk. If you are concerned about a delay in receiving or returning your ballot via mail, contact your Town Clerk as soon as possible for assistance.
How is it ensured people do not vote more than once?
The Town Clerk maintains two lists for absentee ballots and checks them against one another, one list for each ballot requested, and the second for each ballot that is returned. If you cast your ballot during Early Voting, you print and sign your name in a log book during check-in. Election officials then record that you have voted in the Centralized Voter Registration System. This ensures each voter can only vote once, whether by Early Voting, absentee ballot, or on Election Day.
Where can I find more Connecticut election information?
- Receive important election updates from the Secretary of the State by texting VOTE to 860.321.4221
- View the Secretary of the State'sEarly Voting and Absentee Voting Resource
- Visit VOTE411.org/lwvct for nonpartisan election information from the League of Women Voters Education Fund or download these printable 2026 Voter Outreach Resources
