Vote 2026: Heavy turnout across CT on first day of early voting
Some voters said they wanted to cast their ballot early to avoid possible disruptions, like federal agents at polling places.
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Voter registrars reported heavy turnout for the first day of Early Voting in Connecticut.
Some said they wanted to cast their ballot early to avoid any disruption, including the possibility of federal agents being dispatched to polling places.
HIGH TURNOUT SO FAR
At Norwalk City Hall, the lines were long as soon as the polls opened at 10 a.m.
“I was so excited about voting this year and I wanted to be one of the first people here,” said voter Laura Shaw.
Shaw isn’t alone.
“We’ve had almost 300 voters so far, just this morning,” said Matthew Lane, Norwalk’s deputy Democratic voter registrar.
In communities like Greenwich and Hamden, voters waited more than an hour to vote on the first day.
POLLS SHOW LAMONT WAY AHEAD
The high turnout comes despite a lack of drama in major state races for Congress and governor.
A new WFSB-TV/CTInsider/Sacred Heart University poll gives Ned Lamont a 23-point lead in the race for governor, while two other polls last week showed the Democrat ahead 13 and 20 points, respectively.
“You certainly don’t like complacency,” Lamont told reporters. “What we’re trying to do is, remind people that your vote matters.”
Despite the polls, Republican challenger Ryan Fazio, casting his ballot in Greenwich, on Monday, said there’s still plenty of time.
“I’m looking forward to this debate on Thursday because voters should have an opportunity to see Democrat and Republican nominees for the office debate each other unscripted,” Fazio said.
The two candidates will face-off this Thursday, then again next Wednesday.
SUSPICIOUS LETTERS
So far, election officials said that Early Voting has gone smoothly. But some voters are on edge after a suspicious powder was sent to the Connecticut Secretary of the State's office.
“Connecticut did receive four such of those envelopes, but they were intercepted by the postal inspection office,” said Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.
Thomas said one of the letters was sent to her office, two more went to other unnamed government office and a fourth letter went to a non-government organization. She would not reveal who else received suspicious packages.
Some voters wanted to cast their ballots early, just in case.
“I hear there might be some disruption, and I wanted to make sure my vote was counted,” said Norwalk voter Mike Bellairs. “They’ve been saying things like, you know, people are going to try to disrupt these elections using whatever means they have at their availability.”
HOW TO VOTE EARLY
Early voting runs from now until Sunday, Nov. 1. You can vote from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., except on Oct. 27 and 29, when polls are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Same-day registration is also available.
In most communities, Early Voting only takes place at city or town hall.
Voters can now cast an absentee ballot without giving an excuse. Ballots began going out on Oct. 2.
