Election 2024: No Excuses — 14 Days of Early Voting in Wilton Begins Monday, Oct. 21

For the first time in Connecticut, a 14-day early voting period will provide an option for voters who wish to cast their general election ballots before Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5). Under a new state mandate, early voting will be available each day beginning Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 3.

Details

Where: All early voting will take place in the Clune Center lobby at Wilton High School (395 Danbury Rd.) which may be different from some residents’ usual polling location.

When: Voting hours are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

How: Just as on Election Day, voters must be registered and will need to provide identification.

Convenience and Choice

Connecticut is among the last of all the states to offer early voting. In an Oct. 16 press release, state officials praised early voting as an overdue benefit for voters.

“Connecticut is finally joining the rest of the nation by having a system of early voting, and our hope is that the convenience this creates will encourage more people to vote,” Gov. Ned Lamont said.

“After years of waiting, voters will no longer need to worry that an emergency or unexpected event could prevent them from casting their vote,” Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas said.

Thomas also praised local registrars and town clerks for their preparations.

“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,” Thomas said.

GMW reached out to Wilton’s Democratic Registrar Karen Birck and Republican Registrar Annalisa Stravato for comment about the early voting process.

In an email exchange, Birck explained how challenging the preparations have been, especially with staffing. She called it a “monumental task” which has been underway since August, including the recruiting and training of over 40 poll workers for the 14 days of early voting in addition to the usual staffing needed for Election Day voting.

Still Not Registered?

Tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 18, is the last day for regular, in-person registration in the registrars’ office at Wilton Town Hall from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. However, “Same Day Registration” will be available on all days of voting. (Note: voters who use the same day registration process must cast their ballot that day.)

In the past, same-day registration has always taken place at Town Hall. As of press time, the Wilton registrars were still waiting for approval from the Secretary of State to use the Town Hall location. (GMW will update this story if we learn of any location changes.)

More to Keep in Mind

Birck is asking for patience from early voters when they arrive.

“The process of checking in early voting voters is electronic, not paper-based, so please be patient with our poll workers,” she urged voters.

She also noted there are no do-overs.

“If one votes early, that ballot is considered to have been cast and cannot be withdrawn,” she said.

Easier — and Patriotic

Wilton’s top elected official, First Selectman Toni Boucher, echoed the notion that early voting gives voters more choices.

“This year Wilton voters can choose whether to vote in person on Election Day or in person during the early voting period, whichever way is easier for [them]. This can be especially helpful if it is difficult or not possible for [them] to vote on Election Day.” Boucher wrote in an email to GMW. 

“[Whatever] time you choose, voting is the most patriotic thing you can do as it assures that our system of government prevails and our republic endures,” Boucher said.

Look for more details on the 2024 general election in GMW’s upcoming 2024 Voter Guide, and catch up on all of our election coverage, including Letters to the Editor and debate coverage for state legislative races.