Connecticut House Bill HB05404

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Secretary Of The State And Ranked-choice Voting.

Impact

If passed, HB 5404 would impact the state's election laws significantly by incorporating a new voting approach intended to deliver more representative outcomes. The task force's findings could lead to major reforms in the election administration protocols, potentially shaping future electoral processes. Changes to existing laws would be necessary to accommodate ranked-choice voting practices, which may enhance voter engagement and trust by allowing for a wider expression of voter preferences.

Summary

House Bill 5404 is an act that aims to establish a task force to study the implementation of ranked-choice voting for federal, state, or municipal elections in the state. The bill defines ranked-choice voting as a method where voters rank candidates by preference, and votes are tabulated in rounds until a candidate secures a majority. The provisions emphasize a comprehensive study on the feasibility and implications of this voting method, including potential changes to current election processes and necessary statutory modifications. A report on the findings and recommendations by the task force is mandated to be submitted by March 1, 2021.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 5404 may reveal varying public opinions on ranked-choice voting, with supporters arguing it could lead to fairer elections and reduce negative campaigning, while critics may voice concerns over the complexity of the system and potential voter confusion. The establishment of a task force is generally seen as a step toward modernization in voting methodologies, but it could also face resistance from traditionalists who prefer the existing first-past-the-post system.