Voting and the Absentee Ballot Process

September is rapidly drawing to a close, which means elections are right around the corner. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our entire election process.

Unlike in the past, every Connecticut registered voter will automatically receive an application in the mail to request an absentee ballot for the November 3, 2020 general election. COVID-19 is considered a valid reason to request an absentee ballot this year.

If you intend to avoid the polls and vote by absentee ballot, the United States Postal Service (USPS) suggests you start today to give yourself, and your election officials, ample time to complete the process. The USPS recommends you request your absentee ballot at least 15 days before Election Day – but the sooner the better!

Here’s how it works:

The Secretary of the State’s office will mail absentee ballot applications to all registered voters this month. You may also access the application online through their website. Complete your application, following the instructions provided. Make sure you complete these four easy steps:

Check that your personal information is correct in Section 1.
Select a reason for voting by absentee ballot in Section 2. All voters may choose “COVID -19”.
Sign your application in Section 3.
Seal it in the envelope provided and return it by mail via the USPS or place it in a designated ballot drop box. The Darien drop box is clearly marked and is located outside of Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road.

Once your application is received and processed, you will receive an official absentee ballot sometime after October 2, 2020. Complete and return your absentee ballot in the same manner as your absentee ballot application. All absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. If you choose to mail your absentee ballot, the USPS recommends you mail it at least 7 days prior to Election Day. Don’t delay – your vote is very important!

NOTE: Voters who prefer to vote in-person may do so at their designated polling locations between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Make sure you wear a mask and physically distance. If you submit an absentee ballot, you will not be able to vote again in-person. However, if you received an absentee ballot in the mail, but did not fill it out and mail it back in, you may vote in-person.

If you are not already registered to vote, and would like to be able to vote in the upcoming election, please contact the Darien Registrar of Voters at 203-656-7307.

For more information about voting in The Town of Darien this year, please visit http://www.darienct.gov/news/?FeedID=703

For information about absentee ballot voting across the country this election year, please see the following New York Times article with state-by-state guidelines for voting in the 2020 elections: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/08/11/us/politics/vote-by-mail-us-states.html

Vote in 2020! Make your voice heard.