Every vote counts and so should every voter’s safety. People shouldn’t have to choose between their health and safety and their constitutional right to cast their ballot. And thanks to new legislation, Connecticut voters concerned about COVID-19 can safely and securely cast a mail-in or drop-off absentee ballot for the November 3 General Election.

People could already vote absentee because of illness, but the measure state lawmakers passed in July, which mirrors Governor Lamont’s executive order issued for the primary, broadens that excuse for the 2020 general election to include fear of contracting COVID-19.

Registered voters can receive an absentee ballot by completing and returning the absentee ballot application – mailed to all registered voters by the State in September or available for download at www.MyVote.ct.gov – by mail or at a secure drop box in their city or town. Visit www.myvote.ct.gov/lookup to see your voter registration status. Those who are not registered but wish to vote on Election Day have until October 27 to submit their form and should visit www.MyVote.ct.gov for details.

Those who have submitted the application began receiving an absentee ballot from their town clerk by mail on October 2. Follow these steps to ensure you cast your vote securely and safely without risking your life or health.

• Mark your ballot completely and carefully. Unlike a polling place, you cannot get a new ballot if you make a mistake.
• Insert your ballot into the inner envelope. Sign it, date it, and seal it because a ballot is counted only if the inner envelope is signed. Remember, only one ballot per envelope. Insert your sealed inner envelope with the ballot into the outer envelope and seal it.

Return your ballot by mail or in a secure drop box in each municipality. Election officials must receive your completed absentee ballot before polls close on November 3. Ask your town clerk’s office where to find the secure drop boxes. Each city or town will have at least one secure drop box.

While alternatives to in-person voting are more crucial during a pandemic, Connecticut will still have all Election Day polling places open, operated under health officials’ guidelines. Information on locations and times are available at www.MyVote.ct.gov.

The coronavirus pandemic is threatening the health and financial security of everyone in Connecticut, but especially those aged 50 plus.

With so much going on, it’s hard to believe that it’s also an election year, and this season promises to be like no other. One thing remains crystal clear: If candidates want to win, they need to listen to the concerns of 50-plus voters. In the 2016 presidential election, 65 percent of those eligible to vote in Connecticut turned out. That’s compared with a 60 percent turnout nationally.

We’ve heard from Connecticut residents about what’s top of mind this election. They’re worried about their family and how they’re going to pay the bills. They’re desperately concerned about protecting their loved ones in nursing homes. And they want to be able to vote safely this election, whether from home or in-person.

• Go to www.MyVote.ct.gov for voter information, election results and more
• For AARP Connecticut updates, go to www.aarp.org/CTvotes. (Spanish site: www.aarp.org/CTvota) 
• Get more election coverage at www.aarp.org/election2020. (Spanish site: www.aarp.org/elecciones2020).

Nora Duncan is the state director for AARP Connecticut.