New Canaan, Connecticut Public Records

Connecticut's statewide voter registration and election information is coordinated through the Connecticut Secretary of State's office (website: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services). Residents can register to vote online at https://voterregistration.ct.gov or by submitting a completed voter registration application to the Town Clerk. The state requires registration at least seven days before an election for in-person registration, or online and mail registration received by the seventh day before election day. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, Connecticut residents, and 18 years old by election day. Connecticut allows Election Day Registration at designated locations beginning in 2013, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on the same day. Acceptable identification includes Connecticut driver's license or DMV-issued ID, with other documents accepted for those without state ID. The town holds municipal elections for local offices including the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Town Council, and other town boards and commissions. Municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years with the next general municipal election scheduled for November 2025. State and federal elections occur in even-numbered years. The Town Clerk's website publishes candidate lists, sample ballots, and local referendum questions prior to elections. Voters can find their assigned polling place using the Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx by entering their name and date of birth or address. The town operates multiple polling locations across the community including New Canaan High School, South School, West School, and Saxe Middle School, with specific assignments based on voting district. Connecticut public records law provides access to various election records. Voter registration lists (registry lists) are available for purchase for political purposes from the Town Clerk or Secretary of State. Campaign finance records for state-level candidates are maintained by the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) and searchable at https://seec.ct.gov. Local candidate financial disclosures may be filed with the Town Clerk. Election results by precinct are published by the Secretary of State and local town clerks following certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Fairfield County showed strong voter participation with turnout exceeding 70% of registered voters, consistent with Connecticut's traditionally high engagement levels. This community typically demonstrates even higher turnout rates, often approaching or exceeding 80% in presidential election years. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters will decide several significant races. Connecticut's gubernatorial election will be held in 2026, with Governor Ned Lamont's term expiring (he may seek re-election). All five of Connecticut's U.S. House seats will be on the ballot; the town is located in Connecticut's 4th Congressional District. The entire Connecticut State Senate (36 seats) and House of Representatives (151 seats) will be elected; the community is represented in specific state legislative districts. Various county and local offices may also appear on the 2026 ballot depending on term schedules. Statewide constitutional questions or ballot measures may be presented. Local races and town referenda specific to the area will be determined closer to the election date. Connecticut allows absentee voting for specific reasons including active military service, religious beliefs, illness, physical disability, absence from town during all voting hours, or duties as an election official. Absentee ballot applications are available from the Town Clerk's office or downloadable from the Secretary of State website. The Town Clerk must receive completed applications by noon the day before the election (or 12:00 pm on the last business day before election day for primary elections). Voted absentee ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk by 8:00 pm on election day. Connecticut expanded early voting beginning in 2024, allowing in-person early voting at designated locations during a period before election day; check with the Town Clerk for specific early voting schedules and locations available to local voters.