Connecticut House Bill HB05506

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning The Secretary Of The State And Registry Lists.

Impact

The impact of HB 5506 on state laws could be significant in terms of improving access to voter registration data for political parties. This could lead to increased political engagement and outreach efforts by these parties, as they would now have better tools to reach out to voters. Moreover, by making such information freely available, the bill could support efforts to encourage participation in elections and ensure that parties can effectively campaign within their respective districts.

Summary

House Bill 5506 proposes to amend Title 9 of the general statutes concerning the Secretary of the State and voter registration lists. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the State must provide a free copy of the voter registration list for any district to the chairperson of any political party that is eligible to appear on the election ballot in that district. This aims to enhance access to voter information for political parties and promote transparency in the electoral process.

Contention

While the bill is presented as a measure to improve visibility and access to voter data, there could be concerns from various stakeholders regarding the implications for voter privacy and security. Opponents might argue that free access to voter registration lists could be misused by parties or individuals for unethical campaigning or solicitation practices. Conversely, supporters may emphasize the importance of transparency and argue that providing such data is essential for a functioning democracy and leveling the playing field among political parties.