Early voting is officially underway.

Connecticut voters are picking who will be on the ballot for governor and several congressional races.

And this year, the process is a little simpler.

When the doors opened at Norwalk City Hall, Shirley Vines was first in line to cast her ballot right at 10 a.m.

“I want my vote to count so I’m here to vote,” she said.

But Vines certainly wasn’t the only one.

“We’re having a very good turnout so far,” said Matthew Lane, Norwalk’s deputy Democratic voter registrar. “Considering the rain, it’s quite nice.”

And now, it’s easier to vote early.

“In previous years, electors would put their ballot into an envelope and then the envelope would be opened on Election Day and counted on Election Day. This year, the electors will put their ballots directly into a scanning device called a tabulator,” Lane said. “And the vote will be counted right then and there. We’re not allowed to look at the results until Election Day has concluded, at the close of the polls.”

Vines was in and out within five minutes.

“Once they register you, once they check you in, it went smoothly,” she said.

This year, it’s also easier to vote by mail or at an absentee ballot drop box. Thanks to a new state law and constitutional amendment, anyone can do it; you don't need a specific reason anymore.

You can apply for an absentee ballot through your local town clerk or by clicking HERE.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Aug. 10, and completed ballots must be received by the town clerk by 8 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Summer primaries are usually slow, but this year features two unusually big races.

Gov. Ned Lamont faces a rare challenge within his own party from progressive Josh Elliott, a state lawmaker from Hamden. Polls show Lamont with a double-digit lead, but one that is narrowing.

Meantime, 14-term congressman John Larson is fighting for his political future against three Democrats, including front-runner Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford.

Republicans are deciding whether Dr. Michael Goldstein or Daniel Miressi will take on Rep. Jim Himes in the Fourth District. In northwest Connecticut, Fifth District Republicans are choosing between Chris Shea and Jonathan DeBarros to challenge Rep. Jahana Hayes.

Early voting runs through Sunday. The primary is next Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Instead of your regular voting location, Early Voting takes place at City or Town Hall. The hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with extended hours from 8 a.m-8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

“Work schedules change. Children get sick. Cars break down. Life does not always cooperate with a single Tuesday on the calendar,” Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said. “Early Voting gives eligible primary voters more opportunities to make voting fit into real life. Choose the day that works for you.”

Unaffiliated voters cannot participate in primaries; only those who are registered to a party can vote. You can register with a party in-person by noon on the business day before the day you plan to vote early.

If you’re already enrolled in a party and want to switch parties, it’s too late. There is a three-month waiting period.

You can also vote on Primary Day, which is Aug. 11. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day.

For all information about elections in Connecticut, click HERE or call 860-509-6200.