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Category: State

  • Governor Lamont and Secretary Thomas Remind Connecticut Voters That 14 Days of Early Voting Begins Monday, October 20

    Governor Lamont and Secretary Thomas Remind Connecticut Voters That 14 Days of Early Voting Begins Monday, October 20

    From CT.gov:

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas today are reminding Connecticut voters that a 14-day period of early voting for the 2025 general election is set to begin on Monday, October 20, 2025. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

    Early voting provides all voters with the opportunity to cast their ballots in-person on a day of their choosing prior to Election Day – including on two separate weekends – creating more convenience for voters and encouraging greater participation in elections. Connecticut’s system of early voting was first used in 2024. This is the second general election that early voting has been available in the state.

    The 2025 general election is for municipal offices.

    “With busy work and family lives, early voting provides a convenience for voters, enabling them more options to cast their ballots at their convenience,” Governor Lamont said. “Early voting has been available in nearly every state in the U.S. for years and I’m glad that we finally have it in Connecticut. I encourage everyone to cast their ballots in this election.”

    “Early voting gives everyone more flexibility to participate – and this year’s two-week period allows people to cast their ballot on two weekends, which many voters told us they needed,” Secretary Thomas said. “You can make voting a fun part of your weekend — stop by on your way to brunch, after errands, or between other plans. No matter when you cast your ballot, these elections let us have our say on issues that really shape our daily lives, from property taxes and public works to school programs and conservation. Every vote matters, and taking part is the best way to make your voice heard in your community.”

    All early voting is conducted at specifically designated locations in each municipality and may not necessarily be the same location where voting is held on Election Day. Most municipalities have just one early voting location. For a list of every town and city’s early voting locations, visit MyVote.CT.gov. Voters can also check the website of their local registrar of voters for early voting location information. Voters can only vote in the town or city in which they are registered.

    The 14 days of early voting and their hours of operation for the 2025 general election are as follows:

    1. Monday, October 20, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    2. Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    3. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    4. Thursday, October 23, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    5. Friday, October 24, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    6. Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    7. Sunday, October 26, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    8. Monday, October 27, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    9. Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    10. Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    11. Thursday, October 30, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    12. Friday, October 31, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    13. Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    14. Sunday, November 2, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Election Day is on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and all polling places in Connecticut will be open like normal on that day from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

    Election officials in every town keep a record of every voter who has voted early, preventing them from voting early at any other location, submitting an absentee ballot, or voting on Election Day.

    For more information about elections and voting in Connecticut, visit MyVote.CT.gov.

  • Speaker Ritter Talks Budget Surplus, Federal Uncertainty & Housing Challenges at Middlesex Chamber Breakfast in Middletown

    Speaker Ritter Talks Budget Surplus, Federal Uncertainty & Housing Challenges at Middlesex Chamber Breakfast in Middletown

    On April 30, Speaker of the Connecticut House, Matt Ritter, addressed the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, where he spoke candidly about the state budget, federal uncertainty, and key challenges facing Connecticut. He repeatedly referenced Rocky Hill’s Representative, Kerry Wood, who was also in attendance when discussing bills currently under debate among their caucus. 

    Ritter opened by noting that the state may soon announce a $1.7 billion budget surplus, but he urged caution on how it’s used, pointing to looming federal cuts—particularly to Medicare, where Connecticut relies on $800 million in federal support. “Paying down pension debt is important, but if we spend that $1.7 billion, we may very well wish we had it back,” Ritter warned.

    After a variety of questions from non-profits concerned about funding and the role that they play in services to the public in Connecticut, Speaker Ritter emphasized “priorities” and that even in relation to the public benefits portion of our energy costs, and other hot-button topics, it would be helpful if legislators thought in terms of “priorities” versus whether they support something or not.

    He expressed frustration with Washington, not only due to the executive branch, funding cuts, and chaos, but he was also critical of national Democrats for not doing more to find a path forward in the face of a slim GOP majority in the House. He pointed out that all though we are in the minority, we could have played a role in the election of Congress’s Speaker. 

    On the cost of living and energy, Ritter emphasized individual responsibility related to recycling and electricity use, but promised a “unique” energy relief bill is coming. He also addressed housing affordability, saying post-COVID migration has intensified demand—and while the state has programs and funding through CHFA to support building, “towns need to want to build.”Ritter closed by reaffirming that a budget will be passed before the session ends in June, but signaled a special session will likely be needed once Congress finalizes federal spending cuts.