Connecticut law sets election timing after certain officials die

For a U.S. Senate vacancy caused by the senator’s death, the Governor issues election orders within a set window. This applies when a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant, including when the vacancy follows the senator’s death. The election is generally held on the 150th day after the order, on a weekday. Special timing rules apply near regular elections. In specified late-term cases, the Governor nominates a replacement, who needs approval by two-thirds of each chamber of the General Assembly; in another specified case, no special election is held. The death-related order must issue no earlier than 7 days and no later than 17 days after the death. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.

For a U.S. House vacancy caused by the representative’s death, the Governor issues election orders within a set window. This applies to a vacancy in a U.S. House seat from any district, including a vacancy caused by the representative’s death. The election is generally held on the 60th day after the order, on a weekday. If the vacancy occurs from the 125th through the 63rd day before a regular November state or town election, the special election is held on that election day. Other exceptions can prevent an election or require new orders. The death-related order must issue no earlier than 7 days and no later than 17 days after the death. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.

For a covered state legislative vacancy caused by a member’s or member-elect’s death, the Governor issues election orders within a set window. This covers vacancies in the state legislative districts described in section 9-215, including vacancies caused by a member’s or member-elect’s death. The election is generally held on the 46th day after the order, on a weekday. If the vacancy occurs from the 125th through the 49th day before a regular November state or town election, the special election is held on that election day. Certain later vacancies have no special election, except when the vacant seat belongs to a member-elect. The death-related order must issue no earlier than 7 days and no later than 17 days after the death. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.

When a probate judge’s death leaves the office vacant, the Governor issues election orders at least 7 days after the death. This applies when a probate judge’s seat becomes vacant because the judge dies. The text sets no latest date for issuing the order. The order cannot issue until at least 7 days after the judge’s death. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.