Secretary Thomas, DESPP Highlight Election Preparations, Release 250-Foot Election Security Rule Guide
Press Releases
10/15/2026
New resource builds on coordination with law enforcement and training for local election officials
(Hartford, Connecticut) — Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas and Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Commissioner Ronnell Higgins today highlighted ongoing preparations for Connecticut’s November 3 General Election, including a new public guide explaining the state’s 250-foot election security rule.
The new guide, Connecticut’s 250-Foot Election Security Rule: What You Need to Know, is part of broader work with law enforcement and local election officials to make sure the people responsible for administering elections and responding to incidents understand their roles.
The Secretary of the State’s office regularly coordinates with the Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC), the state’s fusion center, and other law enforcement partners on election preparedness. Office staff have also given several presentations to law enforcement agencies about Connecticut election laws, helping officers understand how those laws apply in practice and building relationships ahead of Election Day.
For the 250-foot rule specifically, the office worked with the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association to develop guidance that includes legal interpretations and written permission for state and local law enforcement officers to carry out specified duties within the restricted area, provided those activities do not interfere with election administration.
The office has also explained the rule to registrars of voters through monthly calls with the Registrars of Voters Association of Connecticut—with the most recent meeting taking place last week. Additional interagency election training is planned through DESPP, continuing an annual collaboration dating to 2024 with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Division of Criminal Justice.
"We don’t wait until Election Day to plan, prepare, and inform people about what this law means in real life,” Secretary Thomas said. “We’ve been working with law enforcement and registrars on this well in advance, so everyone understands their responsibilities ahead of time. This guide gives the public that same clarity.”
The guide is the latest example of the Office’s ongoing effort to translate election legislation into practical information for voters, other government agencies, and the officials responsible for carrying it out.
“We are committed to protecting the right to vote in Connecticut,’’ said DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. “For more than two years we have been working closely with the Secretary of the State, local and state law enforcement, the Office of the Attorney General, and municipal leaders to make sure we have a safe and secure Election Day.”
Public Act 26-42 prohibits law enforcement officers from checking voter qualifications, loitering, or knowingly being within a 250- foot perimeter with certain exceptions. State law also prohibits anyone from wearing a mask within this 250-foot perimeter, other than for reasons associated with religion, medical necessity, or the weather.
Connecticut’s 250-Foot Election Security Rule: What You Need to Know explains where and when restrictions apply near polling places, Early Voting locations, absentee ballot drop boxes, and other designated election sites.
The guide describes who is covered, what activities are restricted, and what officers may still do—including routine patrols, traffic enforcement, and emergency response. It also addresses face coverings, identification requirements, and how to report possible violations.
For more information about Connecticut’s 2026 General Election, visit MyVote.CT.gov.
Media Contacts:
Matthew Clyburn
Assistant Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of the State
Matthew.Clyburn@CT.gov
(959) 274-6725
Richard Green
Director of Communications
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Richard.Green@CT.gov
(860) 818-6681 | (860) 539-0159
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