Who Is Eligible to Register?
- U.S. Citizen
- Age 18+ by Election Day (17-year-olds may register if turning 18 on or before Election Day)
- CT Resident of the town where registering — defined as a real connection to the town plus intent to return
- No traditional address? Use a local shelter or P.O. box as a mailing address
Registration Deadlines
| Method | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Online / In-Person / Mail | 18 days before Election Day |
| Mail (postmark) | 18 days before Election Day |
| Primary (mail) | 18 days before primary |
| Primary (in-person) | By noon the business day before the primary |
| Same-Day Registration | During Early Voting & on Election Day at a designated SDR location (general elections only — not primaries) |
2026 Key Dates
How to Register
Online
Visit voterregistration.ct.gov. Requires a CT driver's license, learner's permit, or DMV-issued non-driver ID with a signature on file at DMV.
By Mail
Download the form at portal.ct.gov/SOTS. Include your CT license number or the last 4 digits of your SSN. Sign and mail to your local Registrar of Voters.
In Person
Town Hall (Registrar of Voters), public libraries, DMV offices, and social service agencies. Bring a valid ID.
At the DMV
Register or update your registration when getting or renewing a license or ID. Address changes at the DMV automatically update voter registration unless you opt out.
Same-Day Registration General Elections Only
Visit your town's designated SDR location — not your polling place. Bring a valid ID and proof of CT residency dated within the last 30 days.
Democratic Party Enrollment
Party enrollment is optional — registering without a party means you are listed as Unaffiliated.
Why Enroll as a Democrat?
Connecticut has a closed primary system. Only enrolled Democrats may vote in Democratic primaries.
Switching to the Democratic Party
There is a 90-day waiting period before your primary voting rights activate after switching from another major party. Switching from Unaffiliated to Democrat can be done by noon the day before the primary with no waiting period, provided you have been unaffiliated for at least 3 months.
2026 Party Switch Deadline
To vote in the August 11 primary, switch by:
How to Change Affiliation
Online at voterregistration.ct.gov (requires DMV ID), or complete a new voter registration card and check "Party Enrollment Change." Mail or deliver in person — faxes are not accepted.
Voting Options
Early Voting
No excuse required. Opens ~14 days before general elections (~Oct 20), 7 days before most primaries, 4 days before special elections.
Find your location through your town's Registrar of Voters.
Election Day
Polls open 6 AM – 8 PM.
Anyone in line by 8 PM may vote.
Absentee Ballot
Requires an approved excuse:
- Out of town during all voting hours
- Illness or physical disability
- Active military duty
- Religious beliefs
- Election official duties elsewhere
Request by Monday before Election Day. Return by 8 PM Election Day.
Voter ID Requirements
- Most voters
- Any pre-printed ID showing name and address, signature, or photo.
- First-time voters who registered by mail
- Photo ID with name and address, OR a utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing name and address.
- No ID?
- Sign an affidavit confirming your identity at the polls.
Volunteer Tips & Quick Facts
- Target new residents — voter registration does not transfer between Connecticut towns.
- 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by Election Day can register now and vote in the general primary.
- SDR tip: Election Day same-day registration takes place at a designated Town Hall location — not at polling places. Know your town's SDR site before Election Day.
- No DMV ID? Voters without a CT DMV-issued ID can still register by mail or in person — they just cannot use the online portal.
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QR code shortcut: voterregistration.ct.gov — works on any smartphone. Print or display this code at events: