What if I’m not registered to vote?

You cannot vote by absentee or at the polls without being registered. You must register by October 27^th, 2020 in order to vote and avoid waiting in line for Election 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 Election Day Registration?

Election Day Registration (EDR) allows voters to register to vote on Election Day. This option is available for those who did not register before the October 27, 2020 registration deadline. Since its inception in 2013, EDR has proven a very popular option for college 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 want to vote at the polls?

Polls will be open on Election Day! Proceed to your polling location with a mask to cast your vote. Polling location hours are 6:00AM – 8:00PM on November 3, 2020.

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

In Connecticut, voters must apply to vote by absentee ballot. You may request an application from the Town Clerk or obtain one online at www.MansfieldCT.gov/TownClerk. Alternatively, the Secretary of the State will be mailing applications to qualified voters sometime in September and you may use that application instead.

Once you have completed your application, return it to either the Town’s general drop box or the official ballot drop box (both located outside the Town Hall door closest to the offices of the Tax Collector and Town Clerk, RT 275 side of the building) or mail it to: Town Clerk’s Office, 4 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield, CT 06268.

When will I receive my absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots for applications received before October 2, 2020 will be mailed on October 2, 2020. Absentee ballots for applications received on or after October 2, 2020 will be mailed within 24 hours after the application is received.

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

Staff can issue your absentee ballot to you in person – no appointment needed.

• When: October 2, 2020 through November 2, 2020, between 8:15 AM – 12:15 PM excluding State holidays and extreme inclement weather.
• Where: At the Town Hall exterior door closest to the offices of the Tax Collector and Town Clerk.
• How: Come with your pre-filled and signed application or fill one out upon your arrival. Applications and ballots will be exchanged between the elector and staff through the general drop box slot.
• Tips:
  • Each voter wishing to receive an absentee ballot must be present to receive it in person.
  • Bring your own black pen if you want to fill out your ballot while you are here.
  • If there is a line, you may be exposed to the elements. Dress for your comfort.

If you have already submitted your application and want to receive your ballot in person instead of by mail, please contact the Town Clerk’s office to discuss.

How can I make sure my vote gets counted?

It is crucial that voters follow the ballot instructions included with their ballot exactly otherwise their ballot is not allowed 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.

Mansfield voters are encouraged to deliver their completed ballot to the locked and secured official ballot drop box BEFORE November 3rd (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. Voters have until 8PM on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 to return their ballot to the ballot drop box. Ballots received after 8PM on November 3, 2020 cannot be counted.

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 October 27, 2020 in order to vote and avoid waiting in line for Election 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 at myvote.ct.gov/lookup or contact the Registrars of Voters at 860-429-3368 or voterregistrars@mansfieldct.org.

What if I have more questions?

Town Clerk’s Office: 860-429-3302 ext. 4 or townclerk@mansfieldct.org; online at www.MansfieldCT.gov/TownClerk

Registrars of Voters: 860-429-3368 or voterregistrars@mansfieldct.org