How to Vote by Absentee Ballot in the November Election
August 28, 2020Last month, my colleagues and I approved bipartisan legislation expanding access to absentee ballots for the 2020 general election. All polls will be open on Election Day, November 3, 2020 and you can still vote in person at your local poll location. Furthermore, all residents are also eligible to vote by absentee ballot this year if you choose to do so in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s what you need to know if you want to vote by absentee ballot:
- Over the next few weeks, all registered voters will receive an application for an absentee ballot in the mail. You can also download an absentee ballot application online.
- Next you need to complete the application with your information and you must also check a box noting your reason for requesting an absentee ballot. You will see that “COVID-19” is listed as a reason that can be selected, in addition to the existing six reasons allowed in ordinary times.
- You must return the completed application to your Town Hall. You can submit it through the mail or by dropping it in one of the ballot drop boxes installed in each town. Most are located outside your local town hall. Check with your town on drop box locations.
- Once your town clerk processes your application, they will mail your absentee ballot to you starting on October 2nd.
- Completed absentee ballots may be returned through the mail or by placing it in a ballot drop box in your town. The Secretary of the State’s website will have a feature you can check to see if your ballot was received.
Tip to Prevent Mistakes
Do not assist anyone outside of your family with an application or ballot. While you may mean well, only immediate family members or health care providers can assist with voting, and they must be listed as “designees.” Additionally, only the voter or designee can drop off the ballot in a drop box. More information here.
Additional Resources