Voting Rights

Can’t find childcare – it’s hard to vote. Have an unexpected business meeting in Manhattan that pops up on your calendar – it’s hard to vote. Work two jobs – it’s hard to vote. Taking care of your elderly family member – it’s hard to vote. Establishing an early voting period is a move that addresses both voter equity and accessibility by allowing a longer time frame for you to vote.

“This isn’t a Republican or a Democrat issue, this is about ensuring all Connecticut voters have the freedom and the ability to vote in elections,” Ed Hawthorne, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, said, adding that he has seen people in scrubs get out of their cars on Election Day, saw how long the lines were, and left.

“Connecticut voters deserve the absolute best version of democracy. Knowing where your candidates stand on these issues is the first step toward making Connecticut a leader in the freedom to vote.”

While Connecticut conservatives haven’t been so bold as elected officials in red states, their enrollment in the Facebook groups indicates the need for more public vigilance, said Cheri Quickmire, executive director of the election watchdog Common Cause in Connecticut. “Extremism isn’t only in certain states like Florida and Arkansas, but it’s alive in Connecticut,” Quickmire said Friday while reviewing the report. “I find this disturbing.” She recalled the controversy last year over the teaching of American history in Guilford schools that resulted in a coalition of Democrats and unaffiliated voters winning seats on the local Board of Education.

"Republicans also expect a three-way primary for secretary of the state. Dominic A. Rapini of Branford won the endorsement, trailed by Brock L. Weber of New Britain and Rep. Terrie Wood of Darien."