Registration and Voting

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES:

MAY 11, 2026- Registrars Party Transfer -State and District Office Primary. Deadline for an enrolled elector to transfer from one party to another and be eligible to vote in the state and district office primary of the new party. (§ 9-59)

AUGUST 3, 2026-Early Voting Period Begins for August Primary.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on August 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 9th.

Extended Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on August 4th and 6th. (§ 9-174(c)(1))

AUGUST 11, 2026- Primary Day -State, District, and Municipal Office. Primary day if valid petition(s) are filed, or consent by 15% candidates have been filed.

Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (§§ 9-376 and 9-423)

 ALL POLLING LOCATIONS WILL BE OPEN.

OCTOBER 19, 2026 - Early Voting Period and Same Day Registration Begins for November Election.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Extended hours: October 27th and 29th 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (§ 9-174(c)(1))

November 3, 2026 - Election Day - Polls open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Electors in line by 8:00 p.m. permitted to vote. (§ 9-174)

ALL POLLING LOCATIONS WILL BE OPEN


REGISTRATION

 In Person or by Mail: Complete a voter registration card. Return it by mail or in person to the Registrars of Voters office. Voter registration cards are also available at Public Libraries, Social Service Agencies, Motor Vehicle Offices or the Town Clerk’s Office.


 Online: Register online by going to https://voterregistration.ct.gov


 Already Registered?: Check the Secretary of the State’s Voter Registration page to find out if you are currently registered to vote and your polling location.


QUALIFICATIONS

Age: Must be 18 by Election Day; 17 year olds, who will turn 18 on or before Election day, may vote in a primary of a party held for such regular Election. (CGS 9-431)

Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen.

Residency: Must be a resident of Bristol.

Felony Convictions: Voting privileges are restored upon the release from confinement and parole.


VOTING

In Person: Vote on Election Day at your polling location. Go to the designated polling location for your voting district to cast your ballot. If you do not know your polling location, contact the Registrars of Voters Office at (860)584-6165.


Absentee Ballots: This process is handled by the Town Clerk’s office. The Voter must request an application first and if the requirements are met, the voter will receive an absentee ballot. This can be done all in one day, in person, at City Hall or by mail.


Permanent Absentee Ballots:Effective January 1, 2013, voters with permanent disabilities may be eligible for permanent absentee ballot status. The voter must file an absentee ballot application together with a doctor's certificate on the physician's letterhead stating that they have a permanent disability and are unable to appear in person at the polling location. Once this is received, absentee ballots will be sent to the voter for each election they would be eligible to vote. Permanent absentee ballot status is confirmed by the registrars each January according to state law. (§ 9-140e)


Voters with Disabilities: Each polling place has an Assisted Voting system available. This enables any voter to access an audio or touch screen ballot. Polling locations are handicap accessible and election officials are trained to assist voters with mobility issues. Curbside voting is available for voters with temporary or last minute illness or difficulties.