Connecticut House Bill HB05109

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/19
• Refer: 1/10/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Changes To Primary And Election Ballots.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05109 would likely streamline the election process and safeguard against disruptions that can occur when changes are made close to election dates. Legal disputes and administrative complications could potentially be reduced, as the clarity on candidacies would be established well before ballots are finalized. This could contribute to an overall increase in public confidence in electoral processes, as voters would have access to a reliable representation of candidates at the time of voting.

Summary

House Bill 05109 aims to enhance the integrity of the election process by imposing restrictions on changes to the candidates listed on primary or election ballots. Specifically, the bill mandates that once the form of these ballots has been submitted for printing, no alterations to the candidate list can be made. This measure is intended to ensure that the ballot reflects a stable and finalized list of candidates, thereby minimizing confusion or potential disputes arising from last-minute changes.

Contention

While the objective of this bill focuses on enhancing electoral stability, it may face scrutiny concerning its rigidity. Critics might argue that unalterable ballot forms could disenfranchise candidates who face unforeseen circumstances, such as withdrawals due to personal emergencies or legal challenges. Such a strict policy could disproportionately affect smaller parties or independent candidates, raising concerns about fairness and representation in the electoral process.