Connecticut House Bill HB05891

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 1/24/11

Caption

An Act Requiring Landlords To Distribute Voter Registration Cards.

Impact

The enactment of HB 05891 would have a notable impact on state laws regarding landlord-tenant relationships and voter registration. The bill includes an amendment to the general statutes, which means that it will formally codify the responsibility of landlords to assist in the voter registration process. This aligns state law with the goal of promoting voter participation, especially in demographic groups that may have traditionally lower registration rates, such as younger individuals and renters.

Summary

House Bill 05891 mandates that landlords are required to provide voter registration cards to new tenants when executing a lease. This legislative measure aims to facilitate the voter registration process and ensure the maintenance of updated voter rolls. By requiring landlords to distribute these cards, the bill seeks to enhance civic engagement among renters and promote active participation in the electoral process.

Contention

While HB 05891 appears to promote positive civic engagement, there could be concerns regarding the feasibility of implementation for landlords, particularly those managing multiple properties. Critics may argue that this requirement adds an additional administrative burden on landlords, who may not have adequate resources or systems in place to manage this obligation. Additionally, there may be debates around the effectiveness of this approach in actually increasing voter registration rates and whether other methods might be more efficient or impactful.