Connecticut Senate Bill SB00412

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/18
• Refer: 3/5/18

Caption

An Act Eliminating Regional Election Monitors.

Impact

The elimination of regional election monitors could lead to significant changes in how elections are administered at the local level. It may centralize certain educational and operational functions within the Secretary of the State's office, thereby reducing the intermediary layer of regional supervision that could have provided localized support and oversight during elections. Proponents of the bill argue that it could lead to increased efficiency and consistency in election management across the state, while opponents worry that it may diminish the support available to local electoral bodies, ultimately impacting the conduct of elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 00412, also known as the Act Eliminating Regional Election Monitors, aims to repeal the position and responsibilities of regional election monitors as mandated by the existing state statutes. This legislative change is framed under the premise of streamlining electoral processes and reducing administrative overhead associated with maintaining these positions, which are tasked with the coordination of educational sessions for local moderators and the oversight of election procedures within specific regions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 00412 center on the balance between efficiency and accessibility in election management. Critics of the bill fear that the removal of regional monitors could disenfranchise smaller municipalities that rely on these positions for guidance and resources. Additionally, discussions highlight concerns regarding the adequacy of training for local moderators and the potential for increased errors in election administration without the support of regional monitors. These discussions underscore the wider debate about local control versus centralized governance in election practices.