Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00896

Introduced
2/22/17  
Introduced
2/22/17  

Caption

An Act Assigning Certain Election Disputes To The Superior Court For The Judicial District Of Hartford.

Impact

By conferring authority to adjudicate election disputes specifically to the Hartford Superior Court, SB00896 intends to create a more uniform and fair process for addressing grievances arising from elections. This law would exceptionally handle matters involving alleged mistakes in vote counting, errors by election officials, and violations related to absentee ballots. Such legal adjudication is expected to enhance the reliability of election results and instill greater confidence among the electorate in the electoral process, as matters requiring judicial intervention will be conducted in a specified and consistent manner.

Summary

SB00896, also known as An Act Assigning Certain Election Disputes To The Superior Court For The Judicial District Of Hartford, aims to centralize the resolution of election-related disputes within the jurisdiction of a specific court. This bill stipulates that any aggrieved elector or candidate can bring their complaints regarding election or primary processes directly to the Superior Court in Hartford. The intent is to provide a clear, expedited legal framework for handling issues related to the conduct and integrity of elections, allowing for timely resolutions that can affect the outcomes of elections at various levels.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of this bill, points of contention may arise regarding the effectiveness of funneling all election disputes through one court. Critics could raise concerns about potential backlog issues, especially during peak election periods when numerous disputes might occur simultaneously. Furthermore, there could be debates over accessibility for candidates and electors from outside the Hartford jurisdiction and whether the directive may inadvertently impose additional complexities rather than simplify the resolution of electoral disputes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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