Registrar of Voters
A vote is your voice. For your voice to be heard, you must be registered to vote. It is your right and your responsibility. The only way democracy works is if citizen’s young and old, are active participants, so register to vote and join a political party!
Online Voter Registration System
SEVENTH DAY BEFORE ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION DEADLINES:
IN-PERSON – all in-person voter registration applicants must appear in the Registrar of Voters office between 9am-8pm on October 31, 2017 in order to be accepted for the November 7, 2017 Election.
MAIL-IN - all mail-in voter registration applications must be received or postmarked by October 31, 2017 in order to be accepted for the November 7, 2017 Election.
and ON-LINE - all on-line voter registration applications must be completed by 8pm on October 31, 2017 in order to be accepted for the November 7, 2017 Election.
What We Do
The Office of the Registrars of Voters is comprised of three Registrars, one from the Republicans and Democrats. Elected in even numbered years for a term of two years, they are governed by Connecticut General Statutes, and are compensated by the local municipality. One Deputy Registrar appointed by each Registrar and assist the Registrars in their duties.
The Registrars, Joan McLaughlin (R), George Cody (D), and John Amarilios are responsible for voter registration and promote a variety of voter education projects, including special voter making sessions at the New Canaan High School each May, supervised absentee balloting at Waveny Care Center, as well as working with civic groups such as the League of Women Voters to promote greater voter participation.
As election officials, the Registrars administer all elections, and develop procedures to insure the voting rights of all citizens and the fair conduct of all elections. They also assist candidates, the public, and the parties in the preparation of specialized voter lists and individual requests for information.
The Registrar's office maintains the accuracy of the voter registry lists through ongoing updates and through the annual canvass of voters conducted each spring.
Contact Us
Main Number: 203-594-3060
Fax Number: 203-594-3135
Office Hours : Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Joan McLaughlin (R) Registrar |
Joan.McLaughlin@newcanaanct.gov
203-594-3096
John Amarilios (D) Registrar
John.Amarilios@newcanaanct.gov
203-594-3094
Debra Lyon (R) Deputy Registrar
Location
Town Hall
77 Main St, 1st Floor
New Canaan, CT 06840
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
You may register in person in the Registrars' office or in the Office of the Town Clerk, both in Town Hall. You may also register by mail by requesting an application by phone from the Registrars. Applications are also available from the library and a number of state agencies, as well as through the Department of Motor Vehicles. You may also download the form here: Mail-in Registration Form
What are the deadlines and qualifications?
Any U.S. citizen who is a resident of the town and will turn 18 by election day may register and vote. Seventeen year-olds may register and vote in a primary if they will acquire their rights upon their 18th birthday. Those who have been convicted of a felony lose their rights and cannot have their voting rights restored until completion of their incarceration and payment of any fines.
The deadline to register and vote in Connecticut is 7 Days by mail, in person, or online for an election. Any person who attains 18, moves in town, or becomes a U.S. citizen after the deadline but on or before election day, may apply in person in the Registrars' office.
Connecticut does allow Election Day registration for general elections. Contact the Registrars for details and location.
Election day registration and voting is at Town Hall.
For eligibility in a primary, the deadline to register or enroll in a party is five days prior to the primary date if applying in person. Voters must be enrolled in a party to be eligible to vote in that party's primary.
How do I join or enroll in a party?
You may enroll in a party (or switch parties if already registered) when you register to vote, or at any time after you have registered. This may be done by mail or in person using the form available from the Registrars of Voters office, online, or from the Town Clerk's Office. Changing from a major party to another major party, of which Connecticut has 2: Republican & Democrat requires a 3 month waiting period before the right to participate in the new party's caucuses or primaries is attained.
Districts & Party Counts as of October 3, 2017
Republican: 6,427
Democrat: 2,869
Unaffiliated: 4,153
Other: 141
Total: 13,590
If you do not enroll in a party at the time of registration, you will be listed as Unaffiliated, and will not be eligible for primaries or caucuses. Enrollment, or lack of enrollment, in no way affects your right to vote in any election or referendum.
Enrollment in a party brings with it benefits and rights beyond voting in primaries and caucuses. Besides having a voice in the selection of candidates for office, you can serve on the local Town Committee, help shape party platforms and input issues, participate in campaigns, and promote the candidacy of a particular candidate. Party members are kept informed of upcoming issues, elections, and candidates.
Service as a member of our elected boards such as the Town Council, Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, or one of the other elected offices, improves and strengthens our town.
Party membership is the most common way for a voter to become directly involved in local affairs through participation on those boards and commissions appointed by the Board of Selectmen such as Park and Recreation, Planning and Zoning, Finance, Youth, etc., along with many lesser advisory committees. These boards and committees are the real grass roots of our local government.
How do I vote by Absentee Ballot?
Contact the New Canaan Town Clerk at 203-594-3070
Please see: Absentee Ballot information
Where do I vote?
New Canaan is divided into three voting districts, and uses two polling places. Please refer to the Voting District Map.
New Canaan is represented by two State Senatorial districts (#26 and#36) and by two State Assembly districts (#125 and #142) and is in the fourth Congressional district.
Polling Places:
District #1 voters residing in CT Senatorial #36 & CT Assembly #125
New Canaan High School 3 Farm Road
District #2 voters residing in CT Senatorial #26 & CT Assembly #125
Saxe Middle School 468 South Avenue
District #3 voters residing in CT Senatorial #26 & CT Assembly #142
Saxe Middle School 468 South Avenue
The 3 polling places in New Canaan will be open from 6am to 8pm.
Voter Registration Lookup and Polling Place Location
http://www.dir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx
Representation:
Federal and State Officials
Secretary of the State
I was registered in Connecticut or I've moved within the town. Do I need to re-register?
Anyone moving into New Canaan must re-register. Your former voting Town should also be notified that you have moved out of Town.
Anyone moving within New Canaan needs to notify the Registrars" Office of the change of address.