Governor Lamont Signs Legislation Making Absentee Ballots an Option for All Voters in Connecticut Elections
"(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law legislation providing all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option of casting their ballots in elections and primaries using absentee ballots. No-excuse absentee ballots make voting more accessible for those facing impediments to in-person voting due to disability and mobility limitations, lack of transportation, childcare or caretaking duties, or work schedules.
The legislation, Public Act 26-42, removes restrictions in previously enacted state statutes that only provided this option to voters who were unable to appear in-person at their polling place on election day for several specific reasons, which they were required to confirm when applying for an absentee ballot, including due to active service in the U.S. Armed Forces, absence from their town, sickness, physical disability, religious conflicts, or their service as an elections worker.
Modifying the law is the result of the approval by Connecticut voters of a constitutional amendment that appeared as a ballot question in the November 5, 2024, election.
The change became effective immediately upon receiving Governor Lamont’s signature."