Greenwich voters can request absentee ballots for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election starting Friday, Oct. 2, according to town and state election records.
It marks the first general election under Connecticut's no-excuse absentee voting law, Public Act 26-42 (PA 26-42), which took effect after voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2024. Any registered voter can now cast an absentee ballot without providing a reason, according to the Secretary of the State's office.
Town Clerk Jacqueline "Jackie" Budkins oversees the process from Greenwich Town Hall at 101 Field Point Road. The state's online absentee ballot request portal opened Sept. 19.
How to apply
Voters have three options to request a ballot, as Patch reported:
- Online: Fill out the application at the state portal. A valid Connecticut driver's license is required. The application is sent to the Town Clerk's Office the following day.
- By mail: Print the application, sign it and mail or hand-deliver it to the Town Clerk's Office.
- In person: Pick up an application at the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
All printed applications must carry the voter's signature.
Key deadlines
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Nov. 2. Completed ballots must reach the Town Clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. A postmark alone is not enough.
Voters can return ballots by U.S. mail, in person at the Town Clerk's Office, or through the town's secure drop box, according to the town's election page.
Other voting options
Early voting runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 1 at Town Hall. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days, with extended hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 27 and Oct. 29.
The voter registration deadline is Oct. 16. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. that day, and in-person registration closes at 8 p.m. Residents who miss the deadline can register in person during early voting or on Election Day at Town Hall's lower level.
Registrars of Voters Fred DeCaro III and Mary Hegarty count absentee ballots on Election Day. The Town Clerk's Office handles all ballot requests and distribution.
League of Women Voters of Greenwich President Mary Browne said at a Sept. 16 event that the group wants to help residents navigate the changes. "With changes to voting options this year, we want voters to have clear, reliable information so they can make their voting plan," she said.
Residents with questions about absentee ballots can call the Town Clerk's Office at 203-622-7897.
