Voting is an important way to participate in the affairs of America and to uphold our democratic traditions. If you have just moved to Connecticut, or if you relocate from one Connecticut city or town to another, here is what you need to know about registering to vote in Connecticut.

Voter Requirements

To register to vote in Connecticut, you must:

-be a United States citizen
-be a resident of a Connecticut town
-be at least 17 years old (you can vote when you turn 18)
-have completed confinement and parole if previously convicted of a felony and have had your voting rights restored by Registrar.

Registering to Vote

There are several ways to register to vote. The easiest way is to print and complete the online State of Connecticut Mail-In Voter Registration form (it is a .pdf file), then mail it to the Registrar of Voters in your town.

As specified in the form, you will need to provide a copy of proof of identity either at the time your form is mailed or when you visit the polling place to vote for the first time.

You may also visit your local town hall in person to complete a Voter Registration form and show I.D.

Your application must be approved by the Registrar of Voters before you are eligible to vote.

If you move, you must fill out a new Voter Registration form and submit it by mail or in person to the Registrar of Voters in your new town of residence.

Registration Deadlines for New Voters

PRIMARY: Your application must be postmarked by the 5th day before a primary (or received by your Registrar of Voters or a voter registration agency by the 5th day before a primary). You may apply in person to your town clerk or registrar until noon on the last business day before a primary.

ELECTION: Your application must be postmarked by the 14th day before an election (or received by your Registrar of Voters or a voter registration agency by the 14th day before an election). The 2006 election will be held on November 7, so the deadline is October 24, 2006. Alternatively, you may register in person with your Registrar of Voters by the 7th day before an election.

Questions?

Call your local Registrar of Voters or the Secretary of State's office at 860-509-6100 or toll free, 800-540-3764.