Early Voting, Government Shutdown Resources, and Dementia Care in CT

October 22, 2025


 


Make your voice heard, early voting is now open in Connecticut. Below is all the information you need on when and where to vote. Also, amid the government shutdown there are plenty of resources and help available to help those affected.

Keep reading to find out more!

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

  • Early Voting
  • Government Shutdown Resources
  • Dementia Care Guide
  • National Drug Take Back
  • Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety
  • Community Events

Early Voting

Time is running out to register to vote in the upcoming November 4th municipal election. Click here to check if you are eligible to vote.

Then, click here to access the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System (CVRS) to register online.

Same Day Registration (SDR) is also available during the early voting period (Monday, October 20, through Sunday, November 2) 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., there are extended hours on October 28 & 30 from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

The designated Early Voting location in Branford is:

  • Joe Trapasso Community House (46 Church Street)

Government Shutdown Resources

As the federal government shutdown continues, many Connecticut residents are facing uncertainty. United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has published a new resource to help. Click here to take a look at the resource that outlines the current status of federal programs and provides direct links to state and community resources for those affected.

211 is not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown and continues to operate 24/7/365. It’s never been more important to connect residents with their trained contact specialists, who provide personalized, confidential assistance for basic needs. In many cases, a single call results in multiple new referrals and supports, drawn from their up-to-date database of more than 40,000 community resources.

Dementia Care in CT

Signed into law on June 3, 2025, HB 6771 strengthens Connecticut’s support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. The law:

  • Creates a statewide Alzheimer's and Dementia Task Force

  • Requires insurance coverage for biomarker testing

  • Adds new measures to improve dementia care access and coordination

Connecticut's Guide for Navigating Dementia Care is available to help residents, families, providers, and agencies find local resources and support.

Click here to download a copy of the Guide in English or Spanish.

Click here for more information about brain health from The Department of Public Health.

National Drug Take Back

Saturday, October 25th is National DEA Drug Take-Back Day. This is an opportunity to drop off expired, unwanted or unused controlled substances that you may have in your home.  

Pills, tablets, capsules, and other solid forms of prescription drugs will be collected. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

Click here to find a drop off site near you. MyOldMeds.com offers an easy-to-use locator tool that connects residents to the 354 year-round disposal sites across the state. Click here to access the locator tool.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety

Many of the electronics we use in our homes every day, including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys, are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode. To reduce these risks, take note of which devices in your home are powered by them and take this week to go over tips to understand how you and your family can safely buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries to ensure you are prepared for an emergency when it happens.

The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:

1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.

2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

Click here for more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home.

Community Events

Join the Movement Community, a free eight-week, in-person group experience for people who are living with a life-disrupting loss on Sundays until November 16 at 10:30 A.M. in front of New England Brewing Company.

It combines movement—like walking, hiking, or biking—with intentional grief support, held in community with others who get it. Each group includes 15–20 grievers and is guided by a trained E-Motion Facilitator.

Click here for more information and to register.