EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT early voting IN CT

Why is this so complicated?

Unlike most states, we are not able to allow for in-person early voting by simply passing a law. We must change our state Constitution. Because of this organizational detail, Connecticut is one of only four states that allow no form of early voting. Even Georgia is more progressive!

What is happening on Election Day 2022?

The Connecticut General Assembly passed a resolution with broad bipartisan support to put the question to the voters in 2022. The question merely asks if we should change our Constitution so that we could allow for early voting.

IMPORTANT NOTE: a yes vote will NOT mean that we have early voting. It only means that we give the General Assembly the right to consider it. A bill would need to be raised and undergo the usual public hearing process and pass a vote in both chambers - the House and Senate - in order for early voting to be adopted.

When Secretary of the State Denise Merrill was asked to make a recommendation in 2019, she suggested that early voting open for three days prior to the election.

Why is early voting important?

In-person, early voting would allow many people to ensure that their vote is counted JUST IN CASE something goes wrong on Election Day (a sick child, an emergency, unexpected work travel, etc.). It also reduces strain on our election workers and systems, allowing more time to be thorough and reducing the size of lines in the cities.

NONPARTISAN INFO session on the 2022 ballot referendum

On Election Day, November 8, 2022, voters will have the opportunity to vote on the following ballot question:

“Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?”

A "yes" vote means that the legislature MAY decide to enact in-person early voting at a point in the future and they will hold public hearings to decide how best to do so.

A "no" vote means that NO form of early voting may be adopted in the state - not even one day early.