You Can Still Vote For President if You're Not Registered

It's a little-known fact that Connecticut, and so Middletown, has allowed residents to vote only for president and vice president — regardless of whether they are registered or not.

"State law permits a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old and is either a resident of a Connecticut town but not a registered voter or a former resident who has moved within 30 days before Election Day to another jurisdiction where the deadline for voter registration has passed to apply for and vote a presidential ballot," says the secretary of state office's website.

This is something both Democratic Registar of Voters Sandra L. Faraci and vice chair of the Democratic Town Committee Lisa Santangelo were eager to let readers know about.

"Such a voter can cast a vote for president and vice president, but not any other office," according to the secretary of the state.

At Middletown City Hall, just stop by the town clerk's office and ask for a paper Presidential ballot. You don't need to visit a certain polling district.

• Undecided? This Quiz Can Help You Pick the Next President

Certain unregistered residents and former residents may vote with a paper Presidential ballot.

To be eligible for a presidential ballot, a person must:

• be a United States citizen,
• be at least 18 years old,
• be a resident or former resident of the town in Connecticut where the ballot application is made, and
• not have had electoral privileges forfeited because of a disenfranchising crime.

You are a “resident” if you are not registered to vote in the town in which you reside, but are otherwise qualified to become a voter. You are a “former resident” if:

• you were formerly a resident of the town to which you are directing your application, and
• you have moved to your present residence in another town of this or another state within thirty days prior to the presidential election and for that reason are prevented from registering to vote in the town of your present residence.

When applying for a presidential ballot, you must state that:

• you have not voted and will not vote otherwise than by this ballot in this election, and
• you are not eligible to vote for President and Vice President in any other town in Connecticut or in any other state.

A current and valid photo identification or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address shall be presented at the time of application.

The Middletown registrar's office is still seeking people interested in working the polls on election day. For information, stop by the office in the basement of city hall or call (860) (860) 344-3518 or 3518.

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