BUDGET REFERENDUM
Thursday, May 14, 2026 ~ SAMPLE BALLOT
Each year, Canton residents vote on the proposed town budget. This page has everything you need to participate in the Thursday, May 14, 2026, Budget Referendum.
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Polling Hours
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6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Polling Location
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Canton Community Center
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40 Dyer Avenue, Canton, CT
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Registration deadline Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by close of business.
EARLY VOTING?
No. Early voting is not available for budget referenda. You must vote in person on May 14 or request an absentee ballot.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS?
Available beginning Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Must be received by 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to the drop box in the Town Hall Parking Lot. Absentee Ballots CAN NOT be mailed to you for this Referenda.
WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT?
Residents will vote on the proposed Town of Canton budget for the upcoming fiscal year. A Yes vote approves the proposed budget. A No vote rejects it.
WHO CAN VOTE?
The budget referendum has broader eligibility than a regular election. Two groups may vote:
1. Registered voters
If you are registered to vote in Canton, you are eligible. You must be registered by close of business on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 — same-day registration is not available for referenda.
Check if you are already registered
Register to vote online (Connecticut)
2. Canton property owners who are not registered voters in Canton
Connecticut law allows non-elector property owners to vote in local budget referenda. To be eligible, you must meet all three of the following criteria:
You are 18 years of age or older.
You are an American citizen.
You own real or personal property in the Town of Canton with a total valuation of $1,000 or more, as of October 1, 2025, Grand List.
If you meet these criteria, but are not a registered Canton voter, visit the Moderator's table at the referendum.
HOW TO VOTE:
In person on May 14
Go to the Canton Community Center (40 Dyer Avenue) any time between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. All Canton voters go to this location.
If you are registered to vote in Canton, go to a checker line by your street name.
If you are a property owner in Canton, but NOT registered to vote in Canton, go to the Moderator's table.
By absentee ballot
If you are unable to vote in person, you may request an absentee ballot at the Town Clerk's Office. Absentee ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Absentee Ballots CAN NOT be mailed for this referenda, in-person pickup ONLY.
Completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to the drop box in the Town Hall Parking Lot.
Download the 2026 absentee ballot application (PDF)
CURBSITE VOTING:
If you arrive at the polling place but are temporarily unable to enter on your own, you may request that a ballot be brought to you curbside. Look for the Curbside Voting sign outside the Senior Center, or ask any poll worker for assistance.
Election officials from both parties will bring you a ballot and a privacy sleeve. You will show your ID, mark your ballot privately, and return it in the sleeve — election officials will deliver it to the tabulator for counting.