Connecticut Senate Bill SB00653

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning Secret Ballots And The Freedom Of Information Act.

Impact

If enacted, SB00653 will robustly impact the transparency requirements delineated in the Freedom of Information Act concerning volunteer fire departments. It suggests that the current statutory expectation of public disclosure will not extend to the specific context of officer elections within these community service entities. This change could set a precedent for similar amendments in other organizations where confidentiality in voting is paramount to encourage open and free elections.

Summary

SB00653 is a legislative proposal that seeks to amend section 1-210 of the general statutes with respect to the disclosure of secret ballots used for the election of officers in volunteer fire departments. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that the votes cast by members during these elections remain confidential, thereby allowing members to choose their officers without the fear of repercussion or intimidation. By strengthening the privacy surrounding these votes, the bill aims to enhance the democratic process within such organizations.

Contention

The proposal is likely to evoke diverse reactions from various stakeholders. Proponents may argue that the confidentiality of votes is crucial for integrity and independence within volunteer organizations, where members should feel secure in their voting choices. Conversely, opponents might express concerns regarding reduced transparency, suggesting that such legislation could be misused to obscure accountability in governance processes. This contention reflects broader discussions about the balance between transparency and privacy in public and semi-public organizations.