Absentee ballot process
September 11, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a shift in the way we will vote on Election Day. To ensure the health and safety of voters and poll workers, the Secretary of the State has made it easier for citizens to vote by absentee ballot this year.
Absentee Ballot Applications
Absentee ballot applications are currently being mailed to registered voters. The Secretary of the State is sending out applications to all eligible active and registered voters.
All voters are eligible to vote by absentee ballot for the 2020 election by checking the COVID-19 excuse on the application.
When you receive your application, fill it out as soon as possible and return it to your town clerk by mail, in person, or place it in an absentee ballot drop box. Your application will be processed and a ballot will be mailed to you no earlier than October 2.
The short time between October 2nd and November 3rd makes it important for voters to return their applications quickly.
Absentee Ballots
After receiving your actual ballot in the mail, it is important again to complete it quickly and return it ASAP to ensure your vote is counted.
Again, return the completed ballot to your town clerk by mail, in person, or place it in an absentee ballot drop box.
Tracking Update
The Secretary of the State has implemented an improved ballot tracking system. Once applications arrive in people's mailboxes, voters can follow the progress of their ballot with the Voter Registration Lookup tool.
The system will track 3 data points:
1) receipt of the voter's absentee ballot application
2) whether the voter's ballot has been sent
3) receipt of the voter's completed ballot
It does NOT track the status of delivery by the Post Office. There is no tracking number for delivery of ballots.
If a voter has already submitted an application, the system will show an issue date of October 2. This is because final ballots will be printed and sent beginning October 2.
More information can be found at myvote.ct.gov.
Don't risk your health or the health of your loved ones and vote by absentee ballot. It's convenient, safe and secure.
More information can be found at myvote.ct.gov.