Register to Vote

Register to Vote

Civic Journey

Your Civic
Journey
Starts Here.

Your Civic Journey Starts Here.

From registering to vote to casting your ballot, we’ll walk you through what you need to know to make your voice heard.

Register

Plan

Explore

Register

Plan

Explore

What Role Do You Play in Hartford's Future?

A bigger one than you might think.

Every day, decisions are being made that shape life in Hartford, from schools and neighborhoods to jobs and public spaces.

Young people have a stake in what happens next. Understanding how voting works is one way to have a say in the decisions that shape your community.

Not Sure How Voting Works? You’re Not Alone.

We've broken the process into three simple steps, from making sure you're registered to understanding what's on your ballot.

Whether it's your first time voting, or you just need a refresher…you've come to the right place!

Your Journey Ahead

1

Register to Vote

2

Make a Voting Plan

3

Explore What Matters

Ready to take the first step?

Let's Go!

Ready to take the first step?

Let's Go!

How do I Register to Vote?

Online

The fastest, easiest, and most popular way to register.

Visit the Office of the Connecticut Secretary of the States’ website and complete the process online in just a few minutes.

Register Online

Find Your Path

Every voter's situation is different. Explore the resources to learn what registration looks like for you.

New United States Citizen?

New United States Citizen?

No Permanent Address?

No Permanent Address?

After a Conviction?

After a Conviction?

College Student?

College Student?

Just Moved?

Just Moved?

Turning 18 Soon?

Turning 18 Soon?

How Does Party Registration Work?

Your voter registration form asks if you want to join a political party. Connecticut has two major parties, Democratic and Republican, along with smaller third parties.

You must belong to a party to vote in its primary. Not ready to choose? That’s okay. You can register as unaffiliated and still vote in the general election.

Just remember: Independent is a political party, while unaffiliated means you haven’t joined a party.

Lingering Questions
About Registration?

Can I register the same day as the election?

How do I check if I am already registered?

Do I have to re-register for every election?

Step 2

Make Your Voting Plan

You've registered! Now let's make a plan for Election Day. A few choices now can help you feel ready when it’s time to cast your ballot.

When Will You Vote?

Think about where you’ll be when it’s time to vote. Choose whether you’ll vote early or on Election Day, then pick a time that works for your schedule.

Early Voting is generally 10 AM – 6 PM, with extended hours of 8 AM – 8 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check with your local Registrar to confirm hours.

There is no Early Voting on the day before Election Day.

Voting Schedule

When Will You Vote?

Think about where you’ll be when it’s time to vote. Choose whether you’ll vote early or on Election Day, then pick a time that works for your schedule.

Early Voting is generally 10 AM – 6 PM, with extended hours of 8 AM – 8 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check with your local Registrar to confirm hours.

There is no Early Voting on the day before Election Day.

Voting Schedule

When Will You Vote?

Think about where you’ll be when it’s time to vote. Choose whether you’ll vote early or on Election Day, then pick a time that works for your schedule.

Early Voting is generally 10 AM – 6 PM, with extended hours of 8 AM – 8 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check with your local Registrar to confirm hours.

There is no Early Voting on the day before Election Day.

Voting Schedule

Where Will You Vote?

Hartford has multiple polling locations, so where you vote depends on your address. Early Voting takes place at one or two designated locations in the city, not your usual Election Day polling place.

Take a minute to look up your voting location now, so you’ll be ready when Election Day arrives.

Find your Polling Location

Can't Make it to the Polls?

If voting in person isn’t the best option for you, you can request an absentee ballot and vote from home. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and return your ballot on time.

Note: Any eligible Connecticut registered voter may request, receive, and vote an absentee ballot.

Request an Absentee Ballot

Can't Make it to the Polls?

If voting in person isn’t the best option for you, you can request an absentee ballot and vote from home. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and return your ballot on time.

Note: Any eligible Connecticut registered voter may request, receive, and vote an absentee ballot.

Request an Absentee Ballot

What to Bring?

Bring an accepted form of ID, such as a driver’s license, student ID, passport, or a document showing your name and address.

Don’t have one? Most Connecticut voters can still vote by signing a voter identity statement at their polling place.

Note: Some first-time voters who registered by mail may have different ID requirements.

See Accepted IDs

What to Bring?

Bring an accepted form of ID, such as a driver’s license, student ID, passport, or a document showing your name and address.

Don’t have one? Most Connecticut voters can still vote by signing a voter identity statement at their polling place.

Note: Some first-time voters who registered by mail may have different ID requirements.

See Accepted IDs

What to Bring?

Bring an accepted form of ID, such as a driver’s license, student ID, passport, or a document showing your name and address.

Don’t have one? Most Connecticut voters can still vote by signing a voter identity statement at their polling place.

Note: Some first-time voters who registered by mail may have different ID requirements.

See Accepted IDs

Know Your Rights

Voting should be simple, fair, and accessible. Here are a few rights every Connecticut voter should know:

Stay in line if you arrive by closing time.
Ask a poll worker if you need any assistance.
Polling places must be accessible.
Your vote is private.

See All Voting Rights

Know Your Rights

Voting should be simple, fair, and accessible. Here are a few rights every Connecticut voter should know:

Stay in line if you arrive by closing time.
Ask a poll worker if you need any assistance.
Polling places must be accessible.
Your vote is private.

See All Voting Rights

Know Your Rights

Voting should be simple, fair, and accessible. Here are a few rights every Connecticut voter should know:

Stay in line if you arrive by closing time.
Ask a poll worker if you need any assistance.
Polling places must be accessible.
Your vote is private.

See All Voting Rights

Can't Make it to the Polls?

If voting in person isn’t the best option for you, you can request an absentee ballot and vote from home. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and return your ballot on time.

Note: Any eligible Connecticut registered voter may request, receive, and vote by an absentee ballot.

Request an Absentee Ballot

Can't Make it to the Polls?

If voting in person isn’t the best option for you, you can request an absentee ballot and vote from home. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and return your ballot on time.

Note: Any eligible Connecticut registered voter may request, receive, and vote an absentee ballot.

Request an Absentee Ballot

Can't Make it to the Polls?

If voting in person isn’t the best option for you, you can request an absentee ballot and vote from home. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and return your ballot on time.

Note: Any eligible Connecticut registered voter may request, receive, and vote an absentee ballot.

Request an Absentee Ballot

Step 3

Explore What Matters

You’ve learned how to vote. Now it’s time to learn who and what you’ll be voting for. Preview your ballot, research each choice, and think about the issues that matter to you and your community.

Research with Care

Learning what matters starts with getting the full picture.

Not everything you see online is accurate. Bias and misinformation can shape what we share and how we understand it. When researching, check more than one trusted source, look at who created the information, and find evidence to back up its claims.

Pay attention to the difference between facts and opinions. It’s easy to trust information that matches what you already believe, so stay curious and be open to new ideas.

Explore Your Next Election

Every election is different. Your ballot may include candidates for local, state, or federal office, as well as questions for voters to decide.

Stay informed about what’s on your ballot. Visit our Election Hub to meet the candidates, explore ballot questions, and find resources to help you prepare for the polls.

Election Hub

Discover what matters to you.

Elections directly impact you and your community. Every voter has different experiences, priorities, and concerns. Learn the facts, listen to different views, and make time to talk with people you trust to discover what matters most to you.

Always remain engaged, and curious to learn more!

Additional Civic Resources +

Discover what matters to you.

Elections directly impact you and your community. Every voter has different experiences, priorities, and concerns. Learn the facts, listen to different views, and make time to talk with people you trust to discover what matters most to you.

Always remain engaged, and curious to learn more!

Additional Civic Resources +

Discover what matters to you.

Elections directly impact you and your community. Every voter has different experiences, priorities, and concerns. Learn the facts, listen to different views, and make time to talk with people you trust to discover what matters most to you.

Always remain engaged, and curious to learn more!

Additional Civic Resources +

Explore

Elected Officials

Civic Organizations

About

The Hartford Youth Civic Collective is a civic resource hub made for and by young people in Hartford. The HYCC aims to make civic life in Hartford understandable, accessible, and meaningful.

Sponsors

Hartford Votes~Hartford Vota Coalition

The Hartford Registrar of Voters Office

Contact

wearehycc@gmail.com

Explore

Elected Officials

Civic Organizations

About

The Hartford Youth Civic Collective is a civic resource hub made for and by young people in Hartford. The HYCC aims to make civic life in Hartford understandable, accessible, and meaningful.

Sponsors

Hartford Votes~Hartford Vota Coalition

The Hartford Registrar of Voters Office

Contact

wearehycc@gmail.com

Explore

Elected Officials

Civic Organizations

About

The Hartford Youth Civic Collective is a civic resource hub made for and by young people in Hartford. The HYCC aims to make civic life in Hartford understandable, accessible, and meaningful.

Sponsors

Hartford Votes~Hartford Vota Coalition

The Hartford Registrar of Voters Office

Contact

wearehycc@gmail.com

Explore

Elected Officials

Civic Organizations

About

The Hartford Youth Civic Collective is a civic resource hub made for and by young people in Hartford. The HYCC aims to make civic life in Hartford understandable, accessible, and meaningful.

Sponsors

Hartford Votes~Hartford Vota Coalition

The Hartford Registrar of Voters Office

Contact

wearehycc@gmail.com

Explore

Elected Officials

Civic Organizations

About

The Hartford Youth Civic Collective is a civic resource hub made for and by young people in Hartford. The HYCC aims to make civic life in Hartford understandable, accessible, and meaningful.

Sponsors

Hartford Votes~Hartford Vota Coalition

The Hartford Registrar of Voters Office

Contact

wearehycc@gmail.com