Connecticut Senate Bill SB00794

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/15
• Refer: 1/26/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Transparency In Election Administration.

Impact

By enforcing these records to be accessible as public records, SB 794 will directly impact the way election documentation is handled across the state. It is designed to foster an environment of transparency, allowing voters, researchers, and watchdog organizations to review election materials. This change could potentially lead to increased scrutiny of electoral processes, empowering citizens and organizations to hold election officials accountable for the integrity and accuracy of elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 794, also known as An Act Concerning Transparency in Election Administration, aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the electoral process. This bill mandates that all documentation generated or utilized during elections, such as reports from voting tabulators, voter checklists, and tally sheets, be retained by the municipal clerk and made available for public inspection. The primary goal of this legislation is to provide the public with access to election processes and results, thereby improving trust in electoral outcomes.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention surrounding the bill's requirements for record retention and availability. Critics may argue that the handling of personally identifiable information could pose privacy concerns. Additionally, there could be logistical challenges in maintaining adequate records and ensuring they are easily accessible to the public. Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, believe that these steps are essential for upholding democratic principles and ensuring voter confidence in election outcomes.