At Mental Health Connecticut, we believe individual advocacy is the foundation of collective progress. Voting is a crucial way to advocate for the issues that matter most to us—like mental health. Participation in our democracy goes beyond selecting leaders; it’s about advocating for policies that foster the well-being of ourselves and our communities. Election Day 2024 is on November 5th, and we encourage everyone to get out and vote.
Mental Health Connecticut will never tell you who to vote for or how to vote. Still, these resources will help you get registered, make a plan to vote, and learn how to use your voice to support mental health priorities at the ballot box.
Here’s how you can make sure your voice is heard:
- Step 1: Register or Update Your Registration
- Are you registered to vote? Do you need to update your registration? Now is the time to ensure your voice will be heard on Election Day. You can register online or by mail by October 18th. If you miss that deadline, same-day registration is available in person at your local City Hall on Election Day.
- It’s easy to check or update your voter registration by visiting MyVote.CT.gov/register or by contacting your city’s Registrar of Voters office.
- Step 2: Check if You Are Eligible to Vote by Absentee Ballot
- If you are unable to vote in person due to disability or illness, you may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Apply online at MyVote.CT.gov/Absentee or contact your City Clerk’s office. We recommend applying before October 21 so you receive your ballot on time.
- Absentee voting is a valuable option to ensure that every eligible voter can participate in our democracy, even when circumstances make it difficult to vote in person.
- Step 3: Vote In Person on November 5 or Before
- If you prefer to vote in person, you can now vote early! Early voting is available at select locations from October 21-31 and November 1-3. Polls are typically open from 10 AM to 6 PM during early voting periods. Be sure to find your early voting location by visiting MyVote.CT.gov.
- If you plan to vote on Election Day, polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM on November 5th.
Voting is not just a civic duty—it’s an effective way to secure the policy changes you want to see, especially when it comes to mental health care. The decisions we make at the ballot box influence whether Connecticut will prioritize access to mental health services, funding for mental health programs, and policies that prioritize well-being.
Remember: Vote like your mental health depends on it—because it does.
For more details on how to vote, check your registration, and find your polling place, visit MyVote.CT.gov.
