Connecticut House Bill HB05940

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Automatic Voter Registration At Certain State Agencies.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5940 would significantly alter the process of voter registration, particularly in interactions with various state agencies that collect personal or identifying information. While proponents of the bill argue that it safeguards individual choice and promotes informed consent, opponents may view it as a step away from increasing voter participation. There is concern that removing automatic registration could lead to lower registration rates, particularly among populations less likely to actively pursue registration.

Summary

House Bill 5940 aims to prohibit automatic voter registration at certain state agencies. The primary intent of the bill is to require that individuals must affirmatively opt-in to be registered as voters during transactions with these agencies. This measure is focused on ensuring that individuals have explicit consent before being admitted to the electoral rolls, thereby giving them greater control over their registration status.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 5940 are likely to reflect a broader national debate on voter registration practices. Proponents believe the measure enhances individual autonomy and ensures a transparent electoral process, while detractors may argue that it poses unnecessary barriers to voting and could disenfranchise eligible voters who might otherwise be automatically registered. Notably, the bill's provisions would amend existing statutes in Title 9 of the general statutes, directly affecting how the voting process operates within the state.