Connecticut

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Connecticut by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application in the Online Voter Registration System.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Secretary of State website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 0 days before the election.
• On Election Day: Connecticut has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at a designated Election Day Registration location.

The application is available in English and Spanish.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Connecticut varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office or on Election Day

Bring an acceptable form of identification and proof of residence. This includes a birth certificate, driver's license, passport, or Social Security card, or in the case of college and university students, a current photo ID issued by your higher education institution. If your ID does not state your residential address, you must also show another form of ID indicating your home address in your town of residence. This additional ID may include a motor vehicle learner's permit, a utility bill due no later than 30 days after the election, a lease, a library card, a paycheck, a property tax bill, naturalization documents, a current university registration or fee statement, or in any case other satisfactory proof of residence.

Registering to vote by mail

Connecticut Driver's License Number, or if none, the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Registering to vote online

You must have a current and valid driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver photo identification card issued by the CT Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a signature on file with DMV.

Registering to vote during in person during early voting

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office or on Election Day

Bring an acceptable form of identification and proof of residence. This includes a birth certificate, driver's license, passport, or Social Security card, or in the case of college and university students, a current photo ID issued by your higher education institution. If your ID does not state your residential address, you must also show another form of ID indicating your home address in your town of residence. This additional ID may include a motor vehicle learner's permit, a utility bill due no later than 30 days after the election, a lease, a library card, a paycheck, a property tax bill, naturalization documents, a current university registration or fee statement, or in any case other satisfactory proof of residence.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

Connecticut Driver's License Number, or if none, the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Pre-registering to vote online

You must have a current and valid driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver photo identification card issued by the CT Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a signature on file with DMV.

Pre-registering to vote during in person during early voting

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Connecticut can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Connecticut’s voter registration page on their Secretary of State website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Some towns in Connecticut close regular registration by mail and in person 18 days before Election Day, earlier than the rest of the state. Same-day registration is also available during the early voting period and on Election Day at designated Same Day Registration (SDR) locations.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Connecticut has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a designated Election Day Registration location. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Connecticut, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Connecticut residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Depending on how far away we are from Election Day, there are registration rules for in person voter registration in Connecticut. Read closely to determine which scenario is most applicable to you. 1.) Election Day is more than 18 days away. Go to your local town hall or voter registrar agency and complete the Connecticut Voter Registration form. 2.) Election Day is less than 18 days away. Same Day Registration (SDR) is not available at your polling place but is available at a designated SDR location in each town, beginning at 6 am and ending at 8 pm on Election Day. SDR is available during the hours of Early Voting as well. You will register and vote at the designated SDR location in your town.
• Be a United States citizen living in Connecticut
• At least 17 and turning 18 before Election Day. 17 year olds, who will turn 18 on or before election day, may participate in the general primary.
• Have completed confinement and parole if previously convicted of a disenfranchising felony.

In Connecticut, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Connecticut gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.