---
title: Arts Advocacy
image: https://www.newhavenarts.org/hubfs/CTV%202021%20Social%20Media.png
---

[![vast.png](https://www.newhavenarts.org/hubfs/acnh-header-border.svg "vast.png")](https://www.newhavenarts.org/?hsLang=en) 

[** ](https://www.newhavenarts.org/artsadvocacy#)

[![JOIN](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4332862/f2d9e7b3-7aef-4e69-aa6e-7bf55be287a8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4332862/f2d9e7b3-7aef-4e69-aa6e-7bf55be287a8)

[DONATE](https://www.newhavenarts.org/donate?hsLang=en)

![Hero](https://tools.impactbnd.com/placeholder/1200x300.jpg)

# ![](https://www.newhavenarts.org/hubfs/Arts%20Advocacy-1.png)

###### Helping you champion arts, culture, + creativity

## CONNECTICUT VOTER INFORMATION

[![CEO Pledge Badge](https://www.newhavenarts.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Programs/Advocacy/CEO%20Pledge%20Badge.jpg?width=198&height=220&name=CEO%20Pledge%20Badge.jpg)](https://portal.ct.gov/sots/education/outreach/ceo-pledge)

 ![Early Voting vs Absentee](https://www.newhavenarts.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Programs/Advocacy/Early%20Voting%20vs%20Absentee.jpg?width=220&height=220&name=Early%20Voting%20vs%20Absentee.jpg)   ![Disability Pride Ballot Marking](https://www.newhavenarts.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Programs/Advocacy/Disability%20Pride%20Ballot%20Marking.jpg?width=220&height=220&name=Disability%20Pride%20Ballot%20Marking.jpg)

## 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: KEY DATES

- **Primary Absentee Ballots Available:** July 21, 2026
- **Early Voting - Primary:** August 3-9, 2026
- **Primary / Deadline to Submit Absentee Ballot:** August 11, 2026 (6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
- **General Election Absentee Ballots Available:** October 2, 2026
- **Early Voting - General Election:** October 19 - November 1, 2026
- **General Election / Deadline to Submit Absentee Ballot:** November 3, 2026 (6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)

The ACGNH proudly signed the Connecticut Secretary of State's pledge to be a civically engaged organization. 

In addition to giving you effective tools and information for arts + culture advocacy, the Arts Council helps you easily find information about voting in Connecticut elections. 

- [Register to Vote/Update Voter Registration](https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do)
- [Absentee Voter Information](https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/voter-information/absentee-voting)
- [Student Voter Information](https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/voter-information/student-voter-fact-sheet)
- [Unhoused Voter Information](https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/voter-information/homeless-voter-fact-sheet)
- [Voters with Disabilities Information](https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/accessible-voting)
- [Same Day Voter Registration](https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/election-day-registration/election-day-registration)

 

---

 

## 2026 ADVOCACY ALERTS

 

ACGNH issues **advocacy** and **solidarity alerts** when we need your help to effect change in state + local policy. 

Each alert includes context, a call to action, and a toolkit with step-by-step information about how you can help. 

**Register for these alerts** using the form above.

 

**[03.06.26 Advocacy Alert](https://www.newhavenarts.org/hb-5443-advocacy-ale?hsLang=en)**

<https://www.cga.ct.gov/>

**[Find your elected representatives](https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp) **and reach out to them today so they know about what artists and arts workers in our region need to thrive.

 

###### **NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR LEGISLATORS?**

##### Here are a few ideas!

**![Untitled design (12)-2](https://www.newhavenarts.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(12)-2.png?width=300&name=Untitled%20design%20(12)-2.png)GET PERSONAL** Share a story about the power of creativity in your life, particularly during the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic

**HEAL + REBUILD **Explain how centering culture helps communities process impact and loss and supports inclusive and equitable development

**ECONOMIC IMPACT** Our sector is one of the main drivers of revenue to the state but does not receive statewide investment at the same level

**INVITATIONS **Encourage them to attend an upcoming in-person or virtual event you are organizing to deepen their understanding of our creative ecosystem

## ADVOCACY RESOURCES

 

###### CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE SESSION OUTLINE

- **February 4:** Session gavels in; Governor presents budget adjustments; public hearings begin
- **March:** First committees reach deadlines to report out bills
- **April 1–2:** Finance, Revenue, Bonding and Appropriations committees present budgets; floor debates begin
- **May 6:** Session ends
- **May 5–26:** Parties hold conventions to nominate candidates
- **June 9:** Deadline for candidates petitioning to primary to file
- **July 1:** New fiscal year begins
- **July:** Candidates file Q2 campaign finance reports
- **August 11:** Primary
- **September:** General election campaign unofficially kicks off
- **October:** Candidates debate; file Q3 campaign finance reports
- **November 3:** Election Day

##### Check out our pals at CT Arts Alliance for more resources about arts + culture advocacy in Connecticut

 

[![CT Arts Alliance Logo](https://www.newhavenarts.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Programs/Advocacy/CT%20Arts%20Alliance%20Logo.png?width=280&height=34&name=CT%20Arts%20Alliance%20Logo.png)](https://ctartsalliance.org/take-action/2026-session/)

## Get Involved

Become a member of the Arts Council - it's free! - to receive regular advocacy alerts.

[![Support our Advocacy Work](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4332862/422272db-9d03-4d06-b7c6-e2db05b39e09.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4332862/422272db-9d03-4d06-b7c6-e2db05b39e09)

## Partnerships

The Arts Council collaborates with the following organizations in our advocacy efforts.

**National**

- **[National Assembly of State Arts Agencies](https://nasaa-arts.org/)**
- **[Americans for the Arts](https://www.americansforthearts.org/)**
- **[U.S. Department of Arts and Culture](https://usdac.us/)**
- **[Be An Arts Hero](https://beanartshero.com/)**

**Statewide**

- **[Connecticut Voices for Children](https://ctvoices.org/)**
- **[CT Community Nonprofit Alliance (The Alliance)](https://ctnonprofitalliance.org/) **
- **[CT Students for a Dream (C4D)](https://www.ct4adream.org/)**
- **[Pro-Homes Connecticut](https://pro-homesct.org/)**

### Have a question? We've got answers!

**

**GIVE WITH PURPOSE: YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS**

The Arts Council supports hundreds of individual artists and creative organizations helping to reach thousands of residents every year. 

Want to help support the Arts Council in other ways? [Learn more here](https://www.newhavenarts.org/support-your-arts-council?hsLang=en).

No thanks

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