Connecticut’s first early voting begins today – The Newtown Bee

Published: Oct 21, 2024 6:45 am

HARTFORD — Gov. Ned Lamont and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas reminded Connecticut voters last week that a 14-day early voting period for the 2024 general election begins Monday, Oct. 21.

Early voting provides all voters the opportunity to cast their vote in person on a day of their choosing before Election Day, including on two separate weekends, providing greater convenience to voters and encouraging greater participation in elections.

This is the first time in history that Connecticut has offered early voting for a general election. This makes the state one of the last in the country to introduce an early voting system. Connecticut became the 47th state to adopt early voting.

The governor said Oct. 16 that he and others hope Connecticut “finally joins the rest of the nation in adopting an early voting system … that the convenience it creates will encourage more people to vote.”

“Early voting is nearly identical to voting on Election Day, with two key differences,” Lamont continued. “First, instead of going to your regular polling place, each city has at least one designated location where all early voting takes place for that city. Most cities opt for early voting at city hall, but this can vary. So, before you go, check your city’s early voting location. Second, all ballots cast during early voting will remain secured and unopened until Election Day, when election officials begin counting.

Registered Newtown voters must visit the Registrar’s Office at the Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, to participate in early voting. A list of early voting locations designated for each city can be found online at myvote.ct.gov. Voters can also check their city’s voter registration website for location information. Voters can only vote in the city in which they are registered.

Statewide early voting hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesday, Oct. 29, and Thursday, Oct. 31, where hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters must show ID and registrars will check voters on the computer.

Thomas noted that after years of waiting, voters no longer have to worry that an emergency or unexpected event will prevent them from voting.

“Together with our office, voter registrars and city clerks have worked diligently and cooperatively throughout the year in a nonpartisan manner to implement early voting to ensure a safe election for all,” Thomas said.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz said early voting provides convenience and flexibility in voting and “ensures your voice is heard without the constraints of a single election day.”

“Many people do not have the privilege of flexible work schedules, reliable childcare options or circumstances that allow them to vote on Election Day,” she added. “That’s why almost every other state in the country offers early voting, and now Connecticut residents have the choice, too.” Whether you’re busy on Election Day or just prefer to vote at your own pace, early voting is a good option By voting, you can help shape the future of our democracy.”

Election day is Tuesday, November 5th. All polling locations in Connecticut will be open as usual from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Election officials in each city keep records of every voter who voted early, preventing them from voting early at another location, submitting a mail-in ballot or voting on Election Day. For more information about voting in Connecticut, visit myvote.ct.gov. Newtown residents can also contact the registrar’s office at 203-270-4250 or [email protected].

Early voting for a Connecticut general election opens this morning for the first time in state history. Polls will also be open as usual on Election Day, as noted by signs at the Sandy Hook Center. – Bee photo, Hiccup