Be a “prepared voter, a patient voter, and a participating voter”
This is the first of a series of articles on voter education. If you have a topic to include, please contact the registrars of voters and leave a message (203-389-3409). This first article covers registration processes and deadlines. The next article will be “How to vote by absentee ballot” and “Is it safe to go to the polls?”
The Secretary of State’s office will send out applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters in September.
Voter Registration
To register in Connecticut you must:
-be a citizen of the United States
-be a resident of Connecticut and of the town in which you wish to vote
-be at least 17 years old and will turn 18 on or before Election Day
-have completed confinement and parole if previously convicted of a felony, and have had your voting rights restored by Registrars of Voters
Online Registration
Connecticut offers online voter registration. The website is www.voterregistration.ct.gov which will walk you through the process. You will need your CT driver’s license number or the last 4 digits of your social security number. The application will be immediately available to the registrars.
Mail-In Registration
You can also register by mail to vote in Connecticut by printing a voter registration form on the Registrars’ page on the Town website (woodbridgect.org) filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer but you must make an appointment since the Town Hall is closed due to the pandemic (203-389-3448). Mail applications to:
Registrars of Voters
11 Meetinghouse Lane
Woodbridge, CT 06525
The deadlines for this year’s November election are:
-October 27th midnight for online registration
-Mail in voter registration applications must be postmarked by October 27th
There is a special limited registration session on November 2nd between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm for those whose situation by age, residency or citizenship has changed between October 27th and November 2nd. This session’s location will be noted with signs on the Town Hall front door.
Election Day Registration (EDR)
Connecticut does offer registration on Election Day at designated locations in each town. In Woodbridge it will be in in the senior cafeteria in the Center Building. You must have proof of identity AND residency for EDR.
DMV Registration
You can register to vote while at the Department of Motor Vehicles but please check all information carefully before completing the process.
Work at the Polls
Registrars are looking for people to work at the polls on November 3rd. The hours for work are 5:15 am to 9:00 pm. A training session is scheduled for Sunday November 1st from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Absentee ballot counters will be in a central counting area and will work from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (training is included at that time). Please call the Registrars at 203-389-3409 and leave a message with your name and phone number if you are interested.