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Connecticut elections in 2026

This page lists Connecticut statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Connecticut​

Start with the official Connecticut voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Connecticut voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • July 24, 2026 — By-mail registration and enrollment deadline: Deadline for registering and enrolling by mail for the Connecticut primary, unless the individual registers or enrolls in person under the statutory exceptions.
  • July 28, 2026 — Primary enrollment session: Mandatory enrollment session for registration and enrollment of electors entitled to vote in the Connecticut primary. Registrars must also hear requests for restoring removed names to the registry list.
  • August 10, 2026 — In-person registration and enrollment deadline: Deadline for registering in person with the registrar of voters or municipal clerk and deadline for enrolling in person with the registrar for the Connecticut primary.

Online​

To use the online voter registration system you must have a current and valid driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver photo identification card issued by the CT Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a signature on file with DMV.

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Registration Cut-off: Registration by mail cut-off is eighteen (18) days before the election or primary. You may be able to register in person up until noon the day before the primary.

Deadlines

In Person​

Registration Cut-off: Registration by mail cut-off is eighteen (18) days before the election or primary. You may be able to register in person up until noon the day before the primary. For general elections, Connecticut offers Same Day Registration during the early voting period and on Election Day.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on election day (not offered for primary elections). C. G. S. A. § 9-19j

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

You are not a voter until your application is approved by the Registrar of Voters. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. You should receive a confirmation within 3 weeks. Contact the Registrar in your town hall for assistance. Check your voter registration status online by visiting the State's Voter Registration Lookup tool

Absentee and early voting in Connecticut​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • July 21, 2026 — Absentee ballots become available: Absentee ballots for the Connecticut primary become available on July 21, 2026.
  • July 24, 2026 — By-mail registration and enrollment deadline: Deadline for registering and enrolling by mail for the Connecticut primary, unless the individual registers or enrolls in person under the statutory exceptions.
  • August 3, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting for the Connecticut primary begins on August 3, 2026 and continues through August 9, 2026. Standard hours are 10: 00 a. m. to 6: 00 p. m. on August 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9, with extended hours of 8: 00 a. m. to 8: 00 p. m. on August 4 and August 6.
  • August 9, 2026 — Early voting ends: August 9, 2026 is the final day of early voting for the Connecticut primary.
  • August 10, 2026 — Deadline to issue absentee ballots before Primary Day: Absentee ballots may not be issued on Primary Day except for overseas ballots and the statutory illness and care-facility exceptions.

Voter ID requirements in Connecticut​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Connecticut voter ID requirements.

Connecticut election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — August 11, 2026​

Primary for state, district, and municipal offices if valid petitions are filed or 15% candidate certificates are filed.

Important dates​

  • April 28, 2026 — Primary petition forms available for statewide and congressional offices: Petition forms become available for candidates seeking to oppose party-endorsed candidates for statewide office or Representative in Congress.
  • May 26, 2026 — Primary petition forms available for district offices: Petition forms become available for candidates for district offices, including state senator, state representative, and judge of probate.
  • May 27, 2026 — Primary petition forms available for municipal offices: Primary petitions for candidates seeking to oppose major-party candidates for municipal office become available beginning the day after endorsement, with May 27, 2026 as the earliest date.
  • June 9, 2026 — Primary petition filing deadline: Primary petitions for opposing candidates for state, district, and municipal office must be submitted by 4: 00 p. m. to qualify for the August 11, 2026 primary.
  • July 21, 2026 — Absentee ballots become available: Absentee ballots for the Connecticut primary become available on July 21, 2026.
  • July 24, 2026 — By-mail registration and enrollment deadline: Deadline for registering and enrolling by mail for the Connecticut primary, unless the individual registers or enrolls in person under the statutory exceptions.
  • July 28, 2026 — Primary enrollment session: Mandatory enrollment session for registration and enrollment of electors entitled to vote in the Connecticut primary. Registrars must also hear requests for restoring removed names to the registry list.
  • August 3, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting for the Connecticut primary begins on August 3, 2026 and continues through August 9, 2026. Standard hours are 10: 00 a. m. to 6: 00 p. m. on August 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9, with extended hours of 8: 00 a. m. to 8: 00 p. m. on August 4 and August 6.
  • August 9, 2026 — Early voting ends: August 9, 2026 is the final day of early voting for the Connecticut primary.
  • August 10, 2026 — Deadline to issue absentee ballots before Primary Day: Absentee ballots may not be issued on Primary Day except for overseas ballots and the statutory illness and care-facility exceptions.
  • August 10, 2026 — In-person registration and enrollment deadline: Deadline for registering in person with the registrar of voters or municipal clerk and deadline for enrolling in person with the registrar for the Connecticut primary.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

General election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, U. S. Senator, Representative in Congress, State Senator, State Representative, Secretary of the State, Treasurer, Comptroller, Attorney General, Judge of Probate, and Registrar of Voters.

Important dates​

  • October 2, 2026 — Absentee ballots become available: Printed absentee ballots for the Connecticut general election become available to electors on October 2, 2026.
  • October 16, 2026 — Registration and enrollment deadline: Deadline for registering and enrolling to vote in the Connecticut general election, unless the individual registers in person during early voting or on Election Day using same-day registration.
  • October 19, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting for the Connecticut general election begins on October 19, 2026 and continues through November 1, 2026. Early voting locations must also provide for same-day registration.
  • October 19, 2026 — Same-day registration during early voting begins: Same-day registration is available at early voting locations beginning October 19, 2026, the first day of early voting for the Connecticut general election.
  • November 1, 2026 — Early voting ends: November 1, 2026 is the final day of early voting for the Connecticut general election.
  • November 1, 2026 — Same-day registration during early voting ends: November 1, 2026 is the final day to use same-day registration at an early voting location before Election Day.
  • November 2, 2026 — Deadline to issue absentee ballots before Election Day: Absentee ballots may not be issued on Election Day except for overseas ballots and statutory exceptions including illness, hospitalization, or nursing home status.
  • November 2, 2026 — Limited registration session before Election Day: Session of registrars of voters to admit those seeking to vote in the general election whose qualification as to age, citizenship, or residence was attained since October 16, 2026.
  • November 3, 2026 — Same-day registration available on Election Day: Eligible individuals may register and vote in person on Election Day if they meet Connecticut same-day registration requirements. Registrars must designate a location for completing and processing same-day registration applications.

Official Connecticut election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.