Connecticut Senate Bill SB00659

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Requiring Sufficient Numbers Of Ballots At Polling Places.

Impact

The proposed legislation would have a significant impact on state election administration by establishing clearer responsibilities for managing ballot supplies. By requiring that every municipality ensures an adequate number of ballots, the bill aims to enhance voter access and reduce the likelihood of voting disruptions. The financial responsibility for purchasing these ballots would fall to the Citizens' Election Fund, highlighting the state's commitment to facilitating a smoother electoral process.

Summary

SB00659, introduced by Senator Frantz, is aimed at ensuring that sufficient numbers of ballots are available at polling places during state elections. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the State is responsible for guaranteeing that every municipality has at least one ballot available for each registered voter prior to elections. This legislation comes in response to issues faced during the 2010 election in Bridgeport, where there were not enough ballots for voters, leading to long lines and disenfranchisement.

Contention

While the goal of SB00659 is widely seen as a positive step towards improving the electoral process, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and funding of this mandate. Some legislators might debate the feasibility of guaranteeing one ballot per registered voter, especially in municipalities with fluctuating voter registration numbers. Additionally, there could be discussions around the allocation of resources from the Citizens' Election Fund and how that could affect other election-related expenses or initiatives.