HARTFORD — Governor Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas reminded Connecticut voters last week that a 14-day period of early voting for the 2024 general election opens Monday, October 21.

Early voting provides all voters the opportunity to cast their ballots in person on a day of their choosing in advance of Election Day — including on two separate weekends — creating more convenience for voters and encouraging greater participation in elections.

This is the first time in history that early voting is being offered in Connecticut for a general election, making the state one of the last in the nation to enact a system of early voting. Connecticut was the 47th state to adopt early voting.

The governor on October 16 said he and others hope that with Connecticut “finally joining the rest of the nation by having a system of early voting ... that the convenience this creates will encourage more people to vote.

“Early voting is nearly identical to voting on Election Day with two main differences,” Lamont continued. “First, instead of going to your normal polling place, every town has at least one designated location where all early voting for that town is held. Most towns are choosing to do their early voting at their town hall, however it may vary, so check for your town’s early voting location before you go. Second, all ballots cast during the early voting period will remain secured and unopened until Election Day, when election officials begin the counting process.”

Registered Newtown voters need to visit the Office of the Registrar, within Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, to participate in early voting. A list containing each town’s designated early voting location can be found online at myvote.ct.gov. Voters can also check the website of their town’s registrar of voters for location information. Voters can only vote in the town in which they are registered.

Statewide early voting hours will be 10 am-6 pm daily except Tuesday, October 29, and Thursday, October 31, when hours will be 8 am-8 pm.

Voters will need to show ID and registrars will check voters off in the computer.

Thomas noted that after years of waiting, “voters will no longer need to worry that an emergency or unexpected event could prevent them from casting their vote.

“Together with our office, registrars of voters and town clerks have worked diligently and collaboratively on a nonpartisan basis all year on the rollout of early voting in order to ensure a safe, secure election for all,” said Thomas.

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz said early voting offers convenience and flexibility in voting, “ensuring that your voice is heard without the constraints of a single Election Day.

“Many people do not have the privilege of flexible work hours, reliable childcare options, or circumstances that allow them to cast their vote on Election Day,” she added. “That’s why almost every other state in the country offers an early voting option, and now Connecticut residents have the choice too. So, whether you’re busy on Election Day or just prefer to vote at your own pace, early voting empowers you to participate in shaping the future of our democracy.”

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. All polling places in Connecticut will be open as usual, 6 am to 8 pm.

Election officials in every town keep a record of every voter who has voted early, preventing them from voting early at any other location, submitting an absentee ballot, or voting on Election Day. For more information about voting in Connecticut, visit myvote.ct.gov. Newtown residents can also contact the Office of the Registrar at 203-270-4250 or registrar.of.voters@newtown-ct.gov.