Connecticut has officially joined the majority of states in adopting absentee voting for all, which Connecticut voters overwhelmingly approved during the 2024 election. I'll walk through what the changes mean for us when we vote and how you can apply for an absentee ballot.
This is just one of many pieces of legislation we passed this year to deliver on priorities important to Connecticut residents. The nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research has compiled a helpful summary of the Major Public Acts of 2026, which you can read here. I hope you’ll take a look, and I’m always happy to discuss any questions you may have.
In the weeks ahead, I’ll continue highlighting specific bills that matter to our community and how they affect residents here at home.
Additionally, I hope you will join me next week for a post session town hall where Sen. Ceci Maher and I will discuss and answer your questions on some of the important bills passed in the 2026 legislative session. Please keep scrolling for more information!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. You can reply directly to this email, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Wishing you and your family a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we pause to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Savet Constantine
State Representative |
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| Connecticut Adopts Absentee Voting For All |
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Governor Ned Lamont signed into law a bill providing all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option of casting a vote via absentee ballot.
Public Act 26-42 removes certain restrictions that previously limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. With this change, any eligible voter who prefers to vote absentee may now do so.
Voters requested Absentee Voting For All after overwhelmingly approving a constitutional amendment in 2024. The new law takes effect immediately. |
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Public Act 26-42 does more than provide more opportunities to cast a ballot. It establishes rules on how federal law enforcement can patrol a polling place or other sensitive election sites without permission from state election officials or a court order. It also bans the use of masks unless they’re worn for medical or religious reasons.
To vote by absentee ballot, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. |
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| The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure option to make their voice heard. |
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| Join Me for Post Session Town Hall |
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You are invited to join Senator Ceci Maher and me at a post session town hall as we dig deeper into the bills we passed and what that means for our community.
📅 Tuesday, May 26
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 Brubeck Room at Wilton Library
Click here to register or call (203) 762-6334.
I hope to see you there! Please bring your questions, your thoughts, and your neighbors for what we hope will be a lively and useful community discussion. |
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| Getting Answers on Rt. 106 Construction |
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| I was honored to partner with Rep. Lucy Dathan to host a community forum on the ongoing Route 106 construction in Wilton and New Canaan. Constituents brought thoughtful and important questions directly to officials from Aquarion, creating a productive and information dialogue. |
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| We organized this forum after hearing your concerns about the project timeline, paving schedule, and options for connecting to gas and water service. It was important to us that you have the opportunity to receive updates straight from the companies managing the work. |
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| We hope that everyone who attended left with clear answers, a better understanding of the project’s next steps, and confidence that your voices are being heard as this work moves forward. |
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| And most importantly, you will find the timeline of construction below. We are working with Aquarion and the Town of Wilton to release a daily paving schedule to assist in your daily planning. Stay tuned for updates. |
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| Aquarian is encouraging customers to submit an application if they need a water hookup. A team will respond within eight business days with everything you need. All costs are paid to an approved tapping contractor and applicant's excavator. |
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| Support for Our Dairy Farmers |
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The state is committing $22.5 million from our Federal Cuts Response Fund to support Connecticut’s dairy farmers. Many small, family-owned businesses are working hard to stay afloat amid federally set milk prices that often favor large corporate operations over our local farms.
This investment will help protect jobs and ensure our communities continue to have access to fresh, nutritious, and locally produced food. When we support our farmers, we strengthen our food supply chain and our economy at the same time. |
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| I was proud to support the creation of the Federal Cuts Response Fund during a special session last year to help stabilize Connecticut’s economy and businesses in the face of federal uncertainty and rising costs. Meeting these unexpected needs is exactly why we established the fund. |
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