Absentee Ballot Program

Absentee Ballots Become Available October 6, 2023

Application (to print/submit)

Online Application (only for persons with signature on file with CT DMV)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is on the ballot?

Please go to the  Registrars of Voters' FAQ page to learn about the upcoming ballot and election results.  

How do I apply to vote by mail (absentee ballot)?

In Connecticut, voters must apply to vote by absentee ballot. Download (see link above) or request an application by calling 860-429-3302 ext. 4 or emailing your request with mailing address to TownClerk@mansfieldct.org. Return your completed application with original ink signature 1) by mail to: Town Clerk, 4 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield, CT 06268, 2) to the Town's 24/7 access general drop box (located to the left of the Town Hall door closest to the offices of the Tax Collector and Town Clerk, RT 275 side of the building), or 3) to the Office of the Town Clerk.

Can you confirm that my application for absentee ballot was received?

We recommend checking on your application status if 1) you applied for your absentee ballot before absentee ballots were available and five (5) business days have passed since absentee ballots became available but you have not yet received your absentee ballot or 2) you mailed your application on or after absentee ballots became available and have not received your ballot in seven (7) business days. (See the top of this page for the date absentee ballots become available.)

What if I apply twice?

Please do not submit more than one application to our office. Submitting more than one application will not result in receiving more than one ballot. Submitting only one application reduces staff time spent verifying and rejecting duplicate applications.  

When will I receive my absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots for applications received before absentee ballots are available will be mailed on the day they become available. Absentee ballots for applications received on or after absentee ballots become available will be mailed within 24 hours after the application is received. (See the top of this page for the date absentee ballots become available.) 

What if I want to receive my absentee ballot in person?

Absentee ballots may be issued in person during our business hours at the Office of the Town Clerk.

Can you confirm that my absentee ballot was received?

Yes. You may also check the status of your ballot return at https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.

What if I receive my absentee ballot but I change my mind and want to vote at the polls instead?

If you have your absentee ballot in hand and decide you'd rather vote at the polls, simply destroy your absentee ballot and go to your polling location on Election Day.  

What if I submit my absentee ballot but I change my mind and want to vote at the polls instead?

You may be able to cancel your absentee ballot and vote at the polls instead. Contact the Town Clerk to see if you are within the deadline to cancel your absentee ballot. Your absentee ballot will need to be properly cancelled in order to be allowed to vote at the polls.  Absentee ballots received via drop box or mail after the deadline will not be counted if the same person votes at the polls. 

How can I make sure my vote gets counted?

Voters must follow the ballot instructions included with their ballot exactly for their ballot to be counted. Some important instructions are: 

  1. The ballot will look the same as it does at the polls.  Follow the instructions on the ballot for how to fill out the ballot properly.
  2. Place the completed ballot into envelope B, seal envelope B, and sign envelope B where indicated.
  3. Place envelope B into envelope C, seal envelope C, and write your return address on envelope C.

Once these steps are completed, you are ready to return your ballot.

ballot box - cropped

We encourage voters to deliver their completed ballot to the locked and secured official ballot drop box WELL BEFORE Election Day (open 24/7 and located to the right of the Town Hall door closest to the offices of the Tax Collector and Town Clerk, RT 275 side of the building).  You may also return your ballot by mail.  

Early ballot return will help the Clerks as they work to sort and prepare the returned ballots for the Registrars of Voters.  Voters have until 8PM on Election Day to return their ballot to the ballot drop box.  Per state statute, ballots received after 8PM on Election Day cannot be counted. Do not return your absentee ballot to the polls.

What if I’m not registered to vote?

You cannot vote by absentee or at the polls without being registered.  You must register by seven days prior to Election Day in order to vote and avoid waiting in line for Same Day Registration.  You may register to vote online at voterregistration.ct.gov or contact the Registrars of Voters for a voter registration card at 860-429-3368 or voterregistrars@mansfieldct.org.

What is Same Day Registration?

Same Day Registration (SDR) allows voters to register to vote on Election Day.  This option is available for those who did not register by the registration deadline of seven days prior to Election Day.  SDR is a very popular option for University students. As a result, the wait time can be unpredictable and long. If at all possible, we recommend taking care of your registration before the registration deadline.

What if I’m registered to vote in another town?

You may only vote in the town in which you are registered and you should be registered in your town of residence. If you need to update your registration to a new town of residence, you must do so by seven days prior to Election Day in order to vote and avoid waiting in line for Same Day Registration in your new town.  You may register in your new town online at voterregistration.ct.gov  or contact the Registrars of Voters in your new town for a new voter registration card.

What if I don’t know where I’m registered or where my polling location is?

You may look up this information about yourself here or contact the Registrars of Voters at 860-429-3368 or voterregistrars@mansfieldct.org. 

How do I apply to become a permanent absentee voter?

To be eligible for permanent absentee ballot status, you must complete and return to the Town Clerk an application for absentee ballot together with a doctor's letter stating you have a permanent disability and are unable to appear in person at your polling location. For more information about permanent absentee status, please click  here. 

What if I have more questions?

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In the State of Connecticut, citizens are able to vote in advance of an election, primary, or referendum and by mail via the absentee ballot program.  The program is administered by local Town Clerk’s Offices and managed by the Secretary of the State.

The application will require the citizen to select one of the following reasons for being unable to appear at their designated polling location on voting day:

  • Active service in the Armed Forces of the United States
  • Absence from your town of residence
  • Sickness
  • Religious tenets which forbid secular activity on the day of the election, primary or referendum
  • Duties as a primary, election or referendum official at a polling place other than your own during all of the hours of voting
  • A physical disability

For more information about the State of Connecticut's absentee ballot program, please visit the Secretary of the State's webpage.