Connecticut House Bill HB05419

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/15
• Refer: 1/15/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Casting Of Provisional Ballots In The Absence Of Photo Identification.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would reinforce the state's stance towards ballot casting procedures, balancing the need for identity verification with the rights of those who might lack photo identification at the time of voting. By allowing voters to sign an affidavit as proof of identity, the bill seeks to mitigate disenfranchisement that could arise from stringent photo ID requirements. This change is particularly significant in a landscape where voting accessibility and security are often at odds in legislative discussions.

Summary

House Bill 05419, introduced by Representative Berthel, addresses the provision of casting provisional ballots in the absence of photo identification at polling places. The bill aims to amend existing statutes in chapters 146 and 147 of the general statutes by treating a ballot as provisional if the elector fails to present photo identification but affirms their identity via a signed affidavit. This legislative action is part of an effort to ensure the electoral process remains accessible while still maintaining integrity in verifying voter identities.

Contention

The introduction of HB 05419 may lead to debates surrounding voters' rights and the security of ballot casting. Proponents are likely to argue that the bill serves to protect the integrity of elections while ensuring that no eligible voter is denied the opportunity to cast their ballot due to lack of identification. Conversely, critics might contend that the use of affidavits could open doors to potential abuses in the electoral process, questioning whether this approach is sufficient to safeguard against voter fraud or misrepresentation.