Great communities are created with intention.
They value creativity, invest in cultural experiences, and make room for artists, audiences, and organizations to thrive. Election Day is one opportunity to help shape that future.
We’ll provide trusted information about polling places, voting hours, early voting, absentee voting, and accessibility so you’re ready to participate. Because when more people who care about arts and culture show up to vote, elected leaders see that creativity is an important part of community life.
Every election offers an opportunity to shape the future of our communities. The decisions made by elected officials influence everything from education and economic development to historic preservation, libraries, public spaces, cultural funding, tourism, and quality of life. While arts and culture may not appear on every ballot, they are affected by the priorities, policies, and investments made by the people we elect.
Showing up to vote is one way to ensure that leaders understand arts and culture are not an afterthought, they are part of what makes Fairfield County a vibrant place to live, work, learn, and create.
Know Before You Go
Being prepared before Election Day makes participating easier and helps ensure your voice is heard.
Primary Election Day
The Connecticut State Primary will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. If you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you are entitled to vote.
Who Can Vote?
Connecticut’s primary elections are closed primaries, meaning only voters registered with the Democratic or Republican Party may vote in that party’s primary. If you are unaffiliated, you must enroll in a party before the applicable deadline in order to participate.
In‑Person Registration Before the Primary : New and unaffiliated voters can register in person until noon the day before the Primary. (Monday, August 10th)
Voting Resources: Voting Eligibility , Voter Registration Lookup , Online Voter Registration System , Voter Registration Deadlines
Where Do I Vote?
Your polling location depends on where you live and may differ from previous elections or from your early voting location.
Rather than relying on printed lists, use Connecticut’s official Voter Registration Lookup and Polling Place Locator to confirm your Election Day polling place before leaving home. The same tool also allows you to verify your voter registration information.
Voting Resources: Find Your Polling Place , Early Voting Locations
Early Voting
Connecticut offers early in-person voting for the primary from August 3 through August 9. Hours vary by day, with extended evening hours on select dates. Each municipality designates an official early voting location, which may not be the same as your Election Day polling place. The Secretary of the State publishes and updates these locations online as municipalities finalize them.
If voting on August 11 isn’t convenient, planning to vote early is an easy way to make sure your schedule doesn’t keep you from participating.
Voting Resources: Early Voting Locations , Information Flyer
Early Voting Date | Early Voting Time |
Absentee Voting
For the first statewide election cycle under Connecticut’s updated law, any eligible registered voter may request an absentee ballot, no excuse is required. Applications may be submitted online or through your town clerk. Absentee ballots for the August primary began being issued on July 21, and requests must be made by August 10. Completed ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Primary Day to be counted.
If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, don’t wait until the last minute. Request your ballot early and allow enough time for it to be returned.
Voting resources: Absentee Voting Information , Request Absentee Ballot
Accessible Voting
Every voter deserves an opportunity to participate independently and confidently.
Connecticut polling places provide accessible voting equipment for voters with disabilities. Voters who need accommodations are encouraged to review available resources before Election Day or contact their local Registrar of Voters with questions. Accessible Voting
Tell them how the arts have shaped your life. Share how a local theater, museum, library, arts class, concert, festival, or creative space has strengthened your community or your family. Personal stories often have the greatest impact because they illustrate how public decisions affect real people.
Let them know that thriving arts organizations, creative businesses, arts education, public art, historic preservation, libraries, museums, and cultural spaces are part of the future you want to help build.
You don’t have to agree on every issue to agree that arts and culture deserve a place in conversations about the future of our communities.
When artists, audiences, educators, cultural organizations, and community members speak with one voice about the value of the arts, elected leaders take notice. Help ensure that arts and culture remain part of the decisions that shape Fairfield County’s future.
➡ Register or Check Your Registration
The Art of Civic Life series has been made possible in part by a grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation.
