Michelle L. Cook

For the first time, residents can take advantage of the state's new early voting law with Connecticut's April 2 presidential preference primaries.

Early voting is the result of 2023 legislation and a state Constitutional amendment overwhelmingly approved by Connecticut voters in 2022.

It provides all voters across the state with more flexibility and access to cast their votes, ensuring that your voice is heard and your civic duty is fulfilled while avoiding potentially long lines and challenging personal scheduling conflicts.

Here's what you need to know:

When is early voting?

• For the upcoming April 2 presidential preference primary election, early voting will take place from 10am-6pm on March 26, 27, 28, and 30 (Due to Good Friday and Easter, there will be no early voting Friday, March 29 or Sunday, March 31).
• Early voting for the summer's August 13 primaries will take place between August 5 and August 11.
• Early voting for the November 5 general election will take place between October 21 to November 3.

Each town will have at least one early voting location, and municipalities with a population of 20,000 or more may add additional locations. You can find your early voting location on your municipality's website, at MyVote.ct.gov, or by calling the Secretary of the State's office at 860-509-6200.

Here are some important deadlines to be aware of:

• Monday, March 25 at noon is the deadline to register with a political party to vote in the early voting period for the presidential preference primary.
• Monday, April 1 at noon is the deadline for registering in person with your registrar of voters or town clerk to vote on April 2, and for unaffiliated voters to enroll in a political party for in-person voting.

If you are not yet registered to vote, file your registration application with your town's registrar of voters by noon on the business day before the day you want to vote, or click here to register to vote online.

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and one of our country's most fundamental rights. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future, and our new early voting law provides everyone an easier and better way to make sure you can cast your vote.

You can read a recent article from CT News Junkie on early voting here.