MONDAY: Seven Days of Early Voting Kick Off for Connecticut Primary Voters

[Clyburn, Matthew]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2026

MONDAY: Seven Days of Early Voting Kick Off for Connecticut Primary Voters

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas encourages eligible primary voters to check important information at MyVote.CT.gov and make a plan to vote

HARTFORD — Early Voting in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primary elections will begin on Monday, August 3. Early Voting allows voters to participate in person during a seven-day period before Primary Day on August 11.

Early Voting will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9, with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 4 and 6.

“Work schedules change. Children get sick. Cars break down. Life does not always cooperate with a single Tuesday on the calendar,” Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said. “Early Voting gives eligible primary voters more opportunities to make voting fit into real life. Choose the day that works for you and make your voice heard.”

In Connecticut, only voters registered with a given party may vote in that party's primary elections. Candidates selected by voters in the primaries will appear on the ballot in the November general election.

Voters should visit MyVote.CT.gov before leaving home to confirm they’re eligible to participate in a primary and find their early-voting location.

“Treat every election as if it’s your first,” Secretary Thomas said. “Check your options, registration status, and voting location every time so you know exactly how, where, and when to vote.”

Registration Deadlines

Voters who are already registered to vote but are unaffiliated must affiliate with a party in person by noon on July 31 to vote early. If a voter misses that deadline, they may still affiliate with a party in person by noon on August 10 in order to vote by absentee ballot or in person on August 11.

Voters who are not yet registered to vote may register and affiliate with a party in person by noon on the business day before the day they plan to vote early.

Voters already enrolled in another political party are subject to a three-month waiting period and cannot switch parties now to participate in the August primaries.

More Voting Options

Eligible Connecticut voters now have more flexibility than ever. In addition to Early Voting, all voters may apply for an absentee ballot – no excuse required – by contacting their town clerk or visiting MyVote.CT.gov/GetMyAB. The deadline to request an absentee ballot in person is August 10.

Voters also have the opportunity to vote in person on Primary Day on August 11.

Key Resources

Find Important Election Information at MyVote.CT.gov

View Town-by-Town Sample Ballots

Find Your Early Voting Location for the August Primaries

Want to Vote in the Primary But Not Sure How?

Request an Absentee Ballot at MyVote.CT.gov/GetMyAB

Absentee Ballot Do’s and Don’ts

* * *

Contact: Matthew Clyburn
Matthew...@ct.gov
(959) 274-6725

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Early Voting different this year?

Voters will insert their completed ballots directly into a tabulator to be counted instead of inside an envelope. Voters must also print and sign their name when they check in to vote.

What should I expect at the Early Voting location?

When you arrive at the Early Voting location, you will check in and be verified as an eligible voter. After printing and signing your name in the Early Voting log book, you will receive your ballot. After completing your ballot, you will insert it into the tabulator to be counted.

How is Early Voting different from voting by absentee ballot?

Early Voting allows you to cast your ballot in person at an Early Voting location during a specific period of time before Election Day.

How many Early Voting locations does each city or town have?

Each town has at least one Early Voting location. Towns with populations over 20,000 can decide whether to add additional locations. There are also Early Voting locations on several of Connecticut’s public university campuses. To confirm your Early Voting location, visit MyVote.CT.gov or contact your Registrar of Voters.

Does the Early Voting period include weekends?

Yes. Polls are open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9.

How is it ensured people do not vote twice?

When you cast your ballot during Early Voting, you print and sign your name in a log book during check-in, and election officials record that you have voted in the Centralized Voter Registration System. This ensures each voter can only vote once, whether by Early Voting, absentee ballot, or on Election Day.

LEGAL NOTICE: Certain communications or records received by or sent from this electronic mail account may be subject to public disclosure pursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-200 et seq. Nothing in this email shall be relied upon as an official opinion of the Office of the Secretary of the State issued pursuant to C.G.S. Sec. 9-3 unless specifically stated as such.