Connecticut Secretary of State election, 2018 (August 14 Democratic primary)

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Connecticut Secretary of State
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: June 12, 2018
Primary: August 14, 2018 (canceled)
General: November 6, 2018
Pre-election incumbent(s):
Denise Merrill (Democrat)
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Connecticut
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness
State executive elections in 2018
Impact of term limits in 2018
State government trifectas
State government triplexes
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
Connecticut
executive elections
Governor

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Treasurer
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A Democratic Party primary election did not take place on August 14, 2018, for Connecticut Secretary of State. A primary election would have taken place if more than one candidate had qualified through the party's convention process or by submitting petitions to the state. The candidate selected in the party's convention appeared on the general election ballot on November 6, 2018.

For more information about secretary of state elections in 2018, click here.

SETTING THE STAGE
  • Heading into the election, the sitting secretary of state was Denise Merrill (D), who was first elected in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014. On August 18, 2017, Merrill announced that she would seek election to a third term in 2018.
  • In 2018, Connecticut was under a Democratic trifecta. It had held this status since Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) took office in 2011. Connecticut was also under a Democratic triplex.
  • In presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Connecticut was won by the Democratic candidate. The widest margin of victory was Barack Obama's 22 percent margin in 2008 while the narrowest was John Kerry's 10 percent margin in 2004.


    • Candidates

    Democratic Party Democratic primary candidates

    This primary was canceled and this candidate advanced:


    Did not make the ballot:


    Context of the 2018 election

    Past elections

    2014

    See also: Connecticut secretary of state election, 2014

    Denise Merrill ran for re-election as secretary of state of Connecticut in the 2014 election. Merrill was unopposed in the Democratic primary.[1]

    Voter information

    How the primary works

    A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate whom they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Connecticut law gives parties discretion to decide whether unaffiliated voters may vote in their primaries. As of October 2025, both parties operated closed primary where only a voter affiliated with the party may vote in a party's primary.[2]

    For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

    Poll times

    In Connecticut, all polling places are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Election Day. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[3]

    Registration requirements

    Check your voter registration status here.

    To vote in Connecticut, one must be a U.S. citizen and Connecticut resident who is at least 17 years-old and will be 18 on or before Election Day.[4]

    Registration applications can be submitted online or completed via paper forms. The deadline for mail-in applications is 18 days before an election or primary, while same-day registration is available but must be completed at designated election-day registration locations in each town.[5]

    Automatic registration

    Connecticut automatically registers eligible individuals to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

    Online registration

    See also: Online voter registration

    Connecticut has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

    Same-day registration

    Connecticut allows same-day voter registration.

    Residency requirements

    To register to vote in Connecticut, you must be a resident of the state. State law does not specify a length of time for which you must have been a resident to be eligible.

    Verification of citizenship

    See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

    Connecticut does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual must attest that they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote. According to the state's voter registration application, if you knowingly providing false information, "you can be convicted and imprisoned for up to five years and fined up to $5,000."[6]

    All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment.[7] Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. One state, Ohio, requires proof of citizenship only when registering to vote at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles facility. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

    Verifying your registration

    The site Voter Registration Lookup, run by the Connecticut Secretary of State office, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

    Voter ID requirements

    Connecticut requires voters to present non-photo identification while voting or sign an affidavit.[8]

    The following list of accepted ID was current as of October 2025. Click here for the Connecticut Secretary of State's page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.

    First-time voters who registered by mail must present one of the following forms of identification to vote in an election with federal candidates on the ballot:

    • Copy of a current and valid photo identification with the voter’s name and address, or
    • Copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows the voter’s name and address.

    Other voters must present one of the following forms of identification:

    • Any pre-printed form of identification that shows the voter's name and address, or name and signature, or name and photograph.
    • Social Security card.

    Early voting

    Connecticut permits early voting. Learn more by visiting this website.

    Governor Ned Lamont (D) signed Public Act 23-5 into law on June 7, 2023. The law, which went into effect on July 1, 2023, implemented in-person early voting for elections occurring after January 1, 2024.[9] The length of the early voting period varies based on the type of election. Fourteen days of early voting are required for general elections, seven days are required for most primaries, and four days are required for special elections and presidential preference primaries. Each municipality was required to establish at least one early voting location.[10]

    In 2022, Connecticut voters approved a legislatively referred constitutional amendment allowing the Connecticut General Assembly to pass laws providing for in-person early voting.

    Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to an election. In states that permit no-excuse early voting, a voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day. States that allow voters to cast no-excuse absentee/mail-in ballots in person are counted as no-excuse early voting states.

    Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia permit no-excuse early voting.

    Absentee voting

    Connecticut voters are eligible to vote absentee/by-mail in an election if they cannot make it to the polls on election day for one of the following reasons:[11]

    • Active military service
    • Absence from town of residence during voting hours
    • Illness or physical disability, or role as a caregiver to another individual with illness or disability
    • Religious beliefs precluding secular activity on election day
    • Performance of duties as an election official at a different polling place during voting hours

    To request an absentee/mail-in ballot, a voter may complete and sign an application and return it to their town clerk, or complete an online application. Voters requesting an absentee/mail-in ballot within six days of an election must complete an emergency application.[11]

    An absentee ballot must be returned either in person by close of business the day before the election or by mail. If returned by mail, the ballot must be received by close of polls on election day.[11]


    State overview

    Partisan control

    This section details the partisan control of federal and state positions in Connecticut heading into the 2018 elections.

    Congressional delegation

    State executives

    State legislature

    • Democrats controlled both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly. They had a 80-71 majority in the state House and a 18-18 majority in the state Senate.

    Trifecta status

    • Connecticut was one of eight Democratic trifectas, meaning that Democrats controlled the office of the governor, the state House, and the state Senate.

    2018 elections

    See also: Connecticut elections, 2018

    Connecticut held elections for the following positions in 2018:

    Demographics

    Demographic data for Connecticut
     ConnecticutU.S.
    Total population:3,584,730316,515,021
    Land area (sq mi):4,8423,531,905
    Race and ethnicity**
    White:77.3%73.6%
    Black/African American:10.3%12.6%
    Asian:4.2%5.1%
    Native American:0.2%0.8%
    Pacific Islander:0%0.2%
    Two or more:2.8%3%
    Hispanic/Latino:14.7%17.1%
    Education
    High school graduation rate:89.9%86.7%
    College graduation rate:37.6%29.8%
    Income
    Median household income:$70,331$53,889
    Persons below poverty level:12.2%11.3%
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
    Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Connecticut.
    **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

    As of July 2016, Connecticut's three largest cities were Bridgeport (pop. est. 146,579), New Haven (pop. est. 131,014), and Stamford (pop. est. 130,824).[12][13]

    State election history

    This section provides an overview of federal and state elections in Connecticut from 2000 to 2016. All data comes from the Connecticut Secretary of State.

    Historical elections

    Presidential elections, 2000-2016

    This chart shows the results of the presidential election in Connecticut every year from 2000 to 2016.

    Election results (President of the United States), Connecticut 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2016 Democratic Party Hillary Clinton 54.6% Republican Party Donald Trump 40.9% 13.7%
    2012 Democratic Party Barack Obama 58.1% Republican Party Mitt Romney 40.8% 17.3%
    2008 Democratic Party Barack Obama 60.6% Republican Party John McCain 38.2% 22.4%
    2004 Democratic Party John Kerry 54.3% Republican Party George W. Bush 43.9% 10.4%
    2000 Democratic Party Al Gore 55.9% Republican Party George W. Bush 38.4% 17.5%

    U.S. Senate elections, 2000-2016

    This chart shows the results of U.S. Senate races in Connecticut from 2000 to 2016. Every state has two Senate seats, and each seat goes up for election every six years. The terms of the seats are staggered so that roughly one-third of the seats are up every two years.

    Election results (U.S. Senator), Connecticut 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2016 Democratic Party Richard Blumenthal 63.2% Republican Party Dan Carter 34.6% 28.6%
    2012 Democratic Party Christopher Murphy 54.8% Republican Party Linda McMahon 43.1% 11.7%
    2010 Democratic Party Richard Blumenthal 55.2% Republican Party Linda McMahon 43.2% 12%
    2006 Grey.png Joe Lieberman (I) 49.7% Democratic Party Ned Lamont 39.7% 12.2%
    2004 Democratic Party Chris Dodd 66.4% Republican Party Jack Orchulli 32.1% 34.3%
    2002 Democratic Party Joe Lieberman 63.2% Republican Party Philip Giordano 34.2% 29%

    Gubernatorial elections, 2000-2016

    This chart shows the results of the four gubernatorial elections held between 2000 and 2016. Gubernatorial elections are held every four years in Connecticut.

    Election results (Governor), Connecticut 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2014 Democratic Party Dan Malloy 50.7% Republican Party Tom Foley 48.2% 2.5%
    2010 Democratic Party Dan Malloy 49.5% Republican Party Tom Foley 49% .5%
    2006 Republican Party Jodi Rell 63.2% Democratic Party John DeStefano, Jr. 35.5% 27.7%
    2002 Republican Party John G. Rowland 56.1% Democratic Party Bill Curry 43.9% 12.2%

    Congressional delegation, 2000-2016

    This chart shows the number of Democrats and Republicans who were elected to represent Connecticut in the U.S. House from 2000 to 2016. Elections for U.S. House seats are held every two years.

    Congressional delegation, Connecticut 2000-2016
    Year Republicans Republicans (%) Democrats Democrats (%) Balance of power
    2016 Republican Party 0 0% Democratic Party 5 100% D+5
    2014 Republican Party 0 0% Democratic Party 5 100% D+5
    2012 Republican Party 0 0% Democratic Party 5 100% D+5
    2010 Republican Party 0 0% Democratic Party 5 100% D+5
    2008 Republican Party 0 36.8% Democratic Party 5 100% D+5
    2006 Republican Party 1 20% Democratic Party 4 80% D+4
    2004 Republican Party 3 60% Democratic Party 2 40% R+1
    2002 Republican Party 3 60% Democratic Party 2 40% R+1
    2000 Republican Party 2 40% Democratic Party 3 60.0% D+1

    Trifectas, 1992-2017

    A state government trifecta occurs when one party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office.

    Connecticut Party Control: 1992-2025
    Fifteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
    Governor I I I R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
    Senate D D D R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
    House D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D


    Pivot Counties

    See also: Pivot Counties by state

    One of eight Connecticut counties—12.5 percent—is a Pivot County. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

    Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
    County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
    Windham County, Connecticut 7.78% 13.28% 14.68%

    In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton (D) won Connecticut with 54.6 percent of the vote. Donald Trump (R) received 40.9 percent. In presidential elections between 1900 and 2016, Connecticut voted Republican 53.33 percent of the time and Democratic 46.67 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Connecticut voted Democratic all five times.

    Presidential results by legislative district

    The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Connecticut. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[14][15]

    In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 120 out of 151 state House districts in Connecticut with an average margin of victory of 30.3 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 105 out of 151 state House districts in Connecticut with an average margin of victory of 30.9 points. Clinton won 32 districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
    In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 31 out of 151 state House districts in Connecticut with an average margin of victory of 8.6 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 46 out of 151 state House districts in Connecticut with an average margin of victory of 11.6 points. Trump won seven districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.


    See also

    Connecticut government:

    Elections:

    Ballotpedia exclusives:

    External links

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Secretary of the State of Connecticut, "August 12, 2014, Unofficial Primary Results," accessed September 29, 2017
    2. ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-431," accessed October 20, 2025
    3. ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-174," accessed July 23, 2024
    4. ↑ Connecticut Secretary of the State, "Voting Eligibility," accessed July 23, 2024
    5. ↑ Connecticut Secretary of State, "Election Day Registration," accessed July 23, 2024
    6. ↑ Office of the Secretary of the State, "State of Connecticut Mail-in Voter Registration," accessed November 1, 2024
    7. ↑ Under federal law, the national mail voter registration application (a version of which is in use in all states with voter registration systems) requires applicants to indicate that they are U.S. citizens in order to complete an application to vote in state or federal elections, but does not require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the application "may require only the minimum amount of information necessary to prevent duplicate voter registrations and permit State officials both to determine the eligibility of the applicant to vote and to administer the voting process."
    8. ↑ Connecticut Secretary of State, "FAQ Voter ID," accessed October 6, 2025
    9. ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Public Act No. 23-5," June 7, 2023
    10. ↑ State of Connecticut, "Governor Lamont Signs Legislation Establishing Early Voting in Connecticut Elections and Primaries," June 7, 2023
    11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Connecticut Secretary of the State, "Absentee Voting Information," accessed July 23, 2024
    12. ↑ Cubit, "Connecticut by Population," accessed August 30, 2018
    13. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "Quickfacts Connecticut," accessed August 30, 2018
    14. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
    15. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
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