Voting Rights

"We are all privileged to live in this glorious Republic, or representative democracy. The fundamental mechanism for determining our leaders and our policies, both national and local, is the ballot. This was recognized by the Founders and, in the ensuing centuries, the franchise has been broadened by the 15th, 19th and 26th Amendments. This past November, the people of the United States held an election that was the largest and dubbed the “most secure in American history” by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and others. The results were certified by Secretaries of State and Governors (of both parties) in all 50 states. Numerous challenges to the results were rejected by courts at every level up to and including a unanimous Supreme Court...."

“Connecticut voters deserve the opportunity to vote by the method of their choice – in-person in a polling place, in-person before Election Day, or by absentee ballot without needing an excuse – just like the voters in 43 other states,” said Secretary of the state Denise Merrill.

The legislature passed a constitutional amendment that would allow Early Voting in 2019; it needs to pass again in order to be on the 2022 ballot for the voters to decide. The amendment that would expand access to absentee ballots for all voters without an excuse will be voted on for the first time this year. It would need to pass both chambers with a 75% supermajority in order to go on the 2022 ballot.