Connecticut House Bill HB05497

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/13
• Refer: 1/22/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Voter Registration Cards By Landlords To Tenants.

Impact

The primary goal of HB 05497 is to improve the administration of elections and reduce long lines on election day by ensuring that new residents are aware of and can quickly complete their voter registration. This initiative may contribute to increasing voter participation, especially among populations that frequently move, such as young adults and those in rental housing. By placing the onus of providing registration applications on landlords, the bill seeks to create a systematic method for promoting voter engagement directly at the point of new residency.

Summary

House Bill 05497, introduced by Representative Hennessy, aims to streamline the voter registration process for tenants in rental properties. The bill proposes to amend Title 9 of the general statutes, which governs elections in the state. Specifically, it mandates that landlords or their designated agents provide each new tenant with a voter registration application upon signing a lease or rental agreement. In addition, registrars of voters are required to furnish preaddressed voter registration applications upon request, facilitating the process for landlords to comply with this requirement.

Contention

While the bill's intention to make voter registration more accessible is widely appreciated, it may raise concerns regarding the additional responsibilities it places on landlords. Critics may argue that this could lead to an increased administrative burden, particularly for smaller landlords, who may not have the resources to manage these additional tasks effectively. Furthermore, there could be discussions about privacy and the appropriateness of landlords being involved in the voter registration process, especially in ensuring that tenants' data is handled securely and respectfully.