FAQs
Q: What are the key dates for Elections in November 2008?
This year's Presidential Election will occur on November 4th 2008 between the hours of 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
The deadline for voter registration by mail is October 21st 2008 and in person the deadline is October 28th 2007 at 8 PM (although persons who become U.S. citizens, move into town, or become 18 years old after October 28th , may register in the office of the Registrar of Voters from 9:00 AM to 12:OO Noon on November 3rd , 2008). Absentee ballots for the November 4th, 2008 Election are available beginning on October 3rd, 2008.
Q: Are some elected offices voted on during even-numbered years and others during odd-numbered years?
Yes. In every even-numbered year (2008, 2010, etc), Connecticut citizens elect to a 2-year terms:
- all members of the Connecticut House and Senate
- all members of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Some Registrars of Voters
- (some municipalities are 2 year terms- the rest are 4 year terms)
In even-numbered, non-presidential years (2010, 2014, etc), Connecticut citizens elect, to a 4-year terms: - Statewide offices
(Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Comptroller and Attorney General) - Probate Judges
- Some Registrars of Voters (some municipalities are 2 year terms - the rest are 4 year terms)
In all odd-numbered years (2009, 2011, etc.) Connecticut citizens elect: - City, Town or Municipal offices, Mayors, Selectmen, members of council, some town clerks, local boards of education, and other offices depending on their Municipal or Town Charters
Q: Do I have to choose a political party when I register to vote?
No, it is your choice. If you choose not to register with a party (that is, you wish to be an unaffiliated voter), simply indicate that choice in the appropriate place on the registration form.
You should remember, though, that only enrolled party members are eligible to vote in primaries. If you are unaffiliated, you may join a party at any time until 5:00 PM the day before a primary. If you are changing from one major party to another, there is a 90 day waiting period for your rights to mature.
Q: Do I need to bring identification to vote?
Yes. When you enter the area to vote, you must present identification. You may use a driver's license or anything that has your name and one of the following:
Q: When are the polls open?
The polls are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM for primaries and elections.
Q: Can I vote if I won't be home on Election Day?
Yes, any qualified registered voter may vote by absentee ballot, if unavailable to vote in person due to: - Absence from town during all voting hours
- Illness
- Physical disability
- Active U.S. military service
- Religious reasons
- Duties as an Election Official
Absentee ballots are available beginning: - 21 days before a primary
- 31 days before a regular election
Request an application for an absentee ballot from your Registrar of Voters, either in person or by mail. Once the application is completed – you may return the application in person or by mail.
If you return the application by mail, the absentee ballot will be sent to you by mail. Your ballot must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day for it to be counted.
If you have an unexpected illness or physical disability commencing within six (6) days before the polls close on Election Day or Primary Day, you can still vote. Call your Registrar of Voters for the procedures to follow.
If you find you can vote in person after having submitted an absentee ballot, you must go to the Municipal Clerk’s office before 10:00AM on Election Day or Primary Day to request withdrawal of your absentee ballot. The Municipal Clerk will issue a signed statement for you to present to the Moderator of your polling place so you can vote in person.
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