Absentee Ballot Applications in the Mail

As expected, applications for absentee ballots from Secretary of the State Denise Merrill have been arriving in the mail because of COVID-19.

The applications for absentee ballots say that,

You are receiving this application for an absentee ballot because, due to COVID-19, the Secretary of the State has sent an application to every eligible voter. Pursuant to PA 20-3 July Spec. Sess., COVID-19 may be used as a valid reason for requesting a ballot.

In July, state legislators overwhelmingly approved legislation that allow expanded eligibility for absentee balloting, to ensure that people will be able to exercise their right to vote while maintaining social distancing due to the ongoing pandemic.

Absentee balloting involves submitting an application to the Town Clerk’s office. The Town Clerk’s office then mails the actual ballot to each voter who applied. Voters can then complete the ballots and mail them or drop them in the ballot drop box in front of City Hall.

Many people are expected to vote early this year by voting using absentee ballots. Many states allow early and mail-in voting in all election years.

The ballot applications sent by the Secretary of the State include postage paid envelopes addressed to the Town Clerk’s office and instructions.

In the instructions, “General Election Absentee Ballot Application,” Merrill’s office explains that,

All voters are eligible to vote by absentee ballot because of COVID-19 if they choose to do so. Polling places will also be open for those who choose to vote in-person.

Those who choose to vote by absentee ballot must submit an application for the general election, even if they already did so for the primary election.

The instructions go on to say that voters are to,

Make sure you complete each of these easy steps:

1.) Check that your personal information is correct and complete in Section 1.

2.) Select a reason for voting by absentee ballot in Section 2. All voters may choose “COVID-19.”

3.) Sign your application in Section 3.

4.) Seal it in the envelope and drop it in the secure drop box in front of Town Hall (you can also mail it; postage is already paid).

The instructions card is also in Spanish.

The Secretary of the State’s office says that, “Absentee ballots will be sent out starting October 2.”

Merrill’s office also tells voters that they may, “Track when your ballot is mailed to you at myvotect.gov/lookup.” That website says that,

On this page you will be able to see if your absentee ballot was received by your town clerk. If it does not say that your absentee ballot was received on this page, then your absentee ballot has not yet been received and you should contact your town clerk.

The phone number of the New Britain Town Clerk’s office is 860-826-3344.

For people who are not already registered to vote, the Secretary of the State’s office has a website allowing people to register to vote online. That website is voterregistration.ct.gov.

Merrill’s office has a website with more information about voting by absentee ballot.

Those who will be voting in person, or who register to vote on election day, will be voting on November 3, 2020. This year’s election will include choices for President, Congress, State Senator and State Representative.