LibGuides: Voting in U.S. Elections: Ways to Vote

Intro

U.S. eligible voters can vote in three primary ways:

in person on Election Day
by mail or absentee ballot
by early voting during special times and locations prior to Election Day

The availability of these options and their related laws and deadlines vary widely by state.

You can read "Voting Outside the Polling Place: Absentee, All-Mail and Other Voting at Home Options" by the National Conference of State Legislatures to learn more about and help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different voting options.

Voter Identification Laws

States have differing laws about the form(s) of identification you need to show to confirm voter identity at the polls. Make sure you are aware of your state's identification law(s) and come to the polling place prepared. Check Ballotpedia's map for your state's photo ID requirements.

Ways to Vote

Connecticut

Where and how do I vote?
Updated by the Office of the Secretary of the State for each election. Central hub for voting resources in Connecticut.
Voter Registration and Polling Place Lookup
Enter the town you're registered in, your first & last name, and your date of birth to view your registration status and polling location address.
Connecticut Election Calendars
Updated running list of Connecticut Election calendars with important dates and deadlines.
Connecticut Voter Identification Requirements
Describes photo ID requirements to vote at the polling place in Connecticut. First time voters must present a photo ID, not necessarily a driver's license. Other voters can use a social security card or any pre-printed form of ID that shows name and address; name and signature; or name and photograph.
Student Voter Fact Sheet
First Time Voters Fact Sheet
Voters with Disabilities / Accessible Voting Fact Sheet
Military and Overseas Voters Fact Sheet
Homeless Voter Fact Sheet

National

Voting on Election Day
USA.gov directory for all in-person voting on election day questions and needs.
Find Your Polling Place
National Association of Secretaries of State tool to find your polling place based by state. You will then be directed to that state's website and voter registration / polling place lookup tool OR contact information for your local election officials.
State and Local Election Offices
You can contact your state and local election offices with questions about your voting registration status, polling places, voting options, or to find out how to change your political party affiliation.
State Voter Identification Requirements
Comprehensive list and map of each state's voter identification requirements along with a ranking of their severity and the corresponding piece of state legislation.
State Student Voting Guides
Student ID as Voter ID
Disability Voting Guide
U.S. Department of Justice Know Your Voting Rights Guide

Connecticut

Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if:

You are an active member of the armed forces of the United States
You will be out of town on Election Day
Sickness or physical disability prevents you from voting in person on Election Day
Religious beliefs prevent you from performing secular activities like voting on Election Day
You will be performing duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own on Election Day

Students may apply for an absentee ballot if they are registered to vote in their hometown and will not be physically present to vote at their polling location on Election Day.

Voters are strongly encouraged to submit ballot requests and return ballots at least 7 days before Election Day to allow for receipt and timely return of an official ballot.

Absentee Voting Information
Find downloads for applications for absentee ballots, emergency absentee ballots (within 6 days of an election), and explanations around who may apply for an absentee ballot.
Absentee Ballot Fact Sheet
Includes information for those distributing or helping someone with their absentee ballot application. Note that you must apply for special permissions to assist more than 6 voters apply for absentee ballots.
Connecticut's Absentee Ballot Process
Explains how you vote by absentee ballot after applying.
List of Town Clerks, Registrar of Voters, and Elected Officials
You must return your application for an absentee ballot to your Town Clerk.

National

Absentee Voting and Voting By Mail
USA.gov explains the difference between absentee voting and vote-by-mail and directs you where to find out if your state offers absentee voting and/or vote-by-mail programs.
Absentee & Early Voting Directory
The National Association of Secretaries of State will direct you to your state's explanation of eligibility for absentee ballots, vote-by-mail programs, and/or early voting.
US Postal Service Election Mail Information
The USPS offers information about how it handles and processes absentee ballots, vote-by-mail, voting safety and integrity and more.

Connecticut

Connecticut allows voters to vote early in person 15 days before a General Election. Same-day registration is available only before regular general elections. The early voting period ends two days before the General Election.

The UConn Bookstore will be an Early Voting location at 2075 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT.

Town Hall, Council Chambers will be an Early Voting location at 4 South Eagleville Rd, Storrs, CT.

Early Voting
Connecticut Office of the Secretary of the State web page for Early Voting information.
Early Voting Locations Offering Same Day Registration
Find a link to the Early Voting Locations on the regularly updated CT Office of the Secretary of the State website.

National

Not all states allow for early voting. Check the by Mail-in Ballot tab to check about voting as absentee in your state.

Early in-Person Voting Options Map
This map and list of respective state laws related to early in-person voting is compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Find Your State and Local Election Office
This USA.gov directory will send you to the relevant state election office with the most current and accurate information about early in-person voting for your state.