Advocacy in Action | October 15, 2026

General Election Voting

Tomorrow, Friday, October 16, is the last day for eligible individuals to register to vote online, by mail, in person, or at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and vote in the General Election.

Early Voting takes place from Monday, October 19 – Sunday, November 1. Polls are open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3 from 6AM-8PM. 

Connecticut’s November 2026 General Election includes:

• All 5 of the state’s U.S. House of Representatives members
• All 6 of the state’s Constitutional Officers:
  • Governor Lieutenant
  • Governor
  • Secretary of the State
  • Comptroller
  • Treasurer
  • Attorney General
• All 36 State Senators
• All 151 State Representatives
• Judge of Probate and, in some towns, other municipal positions, including Registrars of Voters

Canadian Beverage Import Ban

The Trump Administration's ban on Canadian beverage alcohol took effect at the end of September. Earlier this month, the Toast Not Tariffs coalition, which includes the National Restaurant Association and 58 other organizations representing the beverage alcohol supply chain, urged the Administration to pursue a negotiated resolution that restores market access for American products in Canada and avoids additional trade restrictions.

The ongoing U.S.-Canada trade dispute is now impacting businesses on both sides of the border. Since Canadian provinces removed U.S. wine and spirits from store shelves in March 2025, U.S. spirits exports to Canada have fallen 70%, while U.S. wine exports have dropped 87%.

Read More

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Connecticut Economic Update from the State Comptroller

Key takeaways from this month’s update:

• The lodging industry in Connecticut has had a good start to 2026, thanks to rising room rates and occupancy levels. Year-to-date through August, revenue from room nights is up an estimated 10.8% from 2025, led by particularly strong growth in the eastern part of the state. 

• Despite headwinds, Connecticut’s economy continues to grow at a steady pace. 

• The U.S. unemployment rate as of August remains low at 4.1% and Connecticut’s unemployment rate ticked down to 5.1% after reaching 5.2% in June and July.

• Consumers continued to spend more in August, but households continue to struggle with affordability.

• U.S. payroll growth was unexpectedly high in August at 162,000 jobs, contrasting with a trend of very low growth the prior few months.

Read Update