Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HJ00049

Introduced
1/24/19  
Introduced
1/24/19  
Refer
1/24/19  

Caption

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Permit No-excuse Absentee Voting.

Impact

If passed, this amendment would significantly alter the current voting regulations by making absentee voting more accessible. Supporters of the measure argue that this change would lead to higher voter turnout and ensure that individuals who might have otherwise been disenfranchised by restrictive absentee voting laws can have their voices heard. It addresses the growing needs of a diverse electorate that may have varying circumstances preventing them from voting in person, such as illness, work commitments, or travel.

Summary

HJ00049 proposes an amendment to the state constitution to allow for no-excuse absentee voting. By eliminating the need for qualified electors to provide a specific reason to cast an absentee ballot, the amendment aims to enhance voter access and participation. Currently, voters must meet certain criteria to qualify for absentee voting, which limits their ability to vote if they are unable to attend polling places on election day. This bill seeks to simplify that process and enable broader participation in elections by all qualified electors.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics could voice concerns regarding the security and integrity of the absentee voting process, pondering whether eliminating the need for an excuse could lead to misuse or fraud. Additionally, there may be discussions about the implications for election administration, including the necessary adjustments needed by local election officials to accommodate a potentially increased number of absentee ballots. Proponents will need to address these concerns to ensure that the bill garners the support needed for passage.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SJ00193

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Regarding Environmental Rights.

CT SJ00004

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment Concerning Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex Under The Equal Protection Clause.

CT HJ00171

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Revise Requirements Relating To The Offering Of Bail Or Pretrial Release To Persons Accused Of A Crime.

CT HJ00216

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Allow Individuals Who Have Attained The Age Of Sixteen To Apply For Admission As Electors And To Be So Admitted Upon Attaining The Age Of Eighteen.

CT HB05308

An Act Concerning Absentee Voting For Certain Patients Of Nursing Homes.

CT HJ00217

Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Permitting Congress To Regulate Child Labor.

CT HB05311

An Act Concerning The Counting Of Absentee Ballots.

CT HB05498

An Act Concerning Election Security And Transparency, The Counting Of Absentee Ballots, Absentee Voting For Certain Patients Of Nursing Homes, Security Of Certain Election Workers, State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints, Ballots Made Available In Languages Other Than English And Various Other Revisions Related To Election Administration.

CT HJ00230

Resolution Memorializing Congress To Rescind Previous Applications Of The General Assembly Calling For An Article V Convention To Propose Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States.

CT SB00386

An Act Concerning Designation Of Polling Places, Early Voting And Regional Election Advisors.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.