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Here's what you need to know if you're voting in Connecticut in 2012:

Do I need ID to vote?

Maybe. If you registered to vote by mail and did not provide any identification then, and have not voted in your precinct before, you will have to show one of the following:

  • A current valid photo ID showing your name and address;
  • Copy of a utility bill;
  • Copy of a bank statement;
  • Copy of a government check;
  • Copy of a paycheck;
  • Copy of government document that shows your name and address.

Where do I vote?

If you are unsure where to vote, contact your local registrar of voters or go to: www.dir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx for polling locations.

REGISTRATION

Do I need ID to register?

You may, but are not required to, submit a form of identification with your registration application. If you do not submit identification, you may be required to do so at the polls on Election Day. Acceptable forms of ID you can submit with your application to register are:

  • Driver's license number;
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number;
  • Copy of a utility bill;
  • Copy of a bank statement;
  • Copy of a government check;
  • Copy of a paycheck; or
  • Copy of a government document that shows your name and address.

How do I register?

Voter registration forms are available at registrar of voters' offices or online at: www.sots.ct.gov/sots/LIB/sots/ElectionServices/ElectForms/electforms/ed671.pdf.

What's the registration deadline?

For the general election, your application must be postmarked or received by a voter registration agency by the 14th day before an election, or you may register in person with your registrar of voters by the seventh day before an election.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Who can vote absentee?

You may vote absentee only if you will be unable to appear at your polling place on Election Day for one of the following reasons:

  • Active service in the U.S. armed forces;
  • Absence from town during all the hours of voting;
  • Illness;
  • Physical disability;
  • Your religion forbids secular (non-religious) activity on that day; or
  • Required performance of duties as a primary, referendum or election official at a polling place other than your own during all the hours on that day.

WARNING: Voting by absentee ballot if you are not eligible to do so for one of the six reasons listed above can subject you to civil and criminal penalties.

If I've voted absentee before, do I have to request to vote absentee again?

Yes. You must complete a new absentee ballot application for each election, primary and referendum.

What is the deadline for returning an absentee ballot?

By mail: Mailed ballots must be received by the clerk not later than the close of the polls on Election Day.
In person: Ballots returned by the elector in person must be received by the clerk by the day before the election.

For more information about voting, call the Connecticut secretary of state at 860-509-6200 or go to www.sots.ct.gov/sots/site/default.asp.