An Act Concerning Sufficient Numbers Of Ballots At Polling Places.
Impact
If enacted, HB 5983 would amend existing statutes in chapters 147 and 157 of the general statutes. By doing so, it would obligate state authorities to assess appropriate ballot quantities and ensure their availability at each polling site. Moreover, the bill would enable the state to engage in bulk purchasing of ballots, with funding partly sourced from the Citizens' Election Fund. This could lead to more efficient use of resources, ultimately fostering better electoral preparedness and potentially enhancing voter turnout.
Summary
House Bill 5983 aims to ensure that sufficient numbers of ballots are printed and available at polling places during gubernatorial and presidential elections, as well as special elections and primaries. The bill mandates a set number of ballots based on a percentage of registered voters at each location. This requirement is intended to increase access to voting and reduce the risk of insufficient ballots which could disenfranchise voters on election day. The specifics of the required ballot counts will be determined by the Secretary of the State in collaboration with registrars of voters and town clerks.
Contention
While the bill is rooted in the principle of facilitating broader electoral participation, it may also generate discussions about the cost implications of bulk ballot purchasing and the feasibility of determining accurate ballot counts based on voter registration statistics. Detractors might express concerns regarding financial burdens on the Citizens' Election Fund, while supporters advocate for the necessity of ensuring every voter has access to a ballot. The deliberation around this issue could underscore broader themes of election integrity and the responsibility of the state in managing the voting process.
An Act Concerning Election Security And Transparency, The Counting Of Absentee Ballots, Absentee Voting For Certain Patients Of Nursing Homes, Security Of Certain Election Workers, State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints, Ballots Made Available In Languages Other Than English And Various Other Revisions Related To Election Administration.
An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Minor And Technical Revisions To The Government Administration And Elections Statutes.