Connecticut House Bill HB05521

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/20
• Refer: 3/16/20

Caption

An Act Revising Certain Statutes Regarding Voter Registration And Election Administration.

Impact

The bill's implications are significant for state laws governing elections. By amending the current statutes, the bill could streamline various administrative tasks required for election operations, potentially reducing errors and improving the overall integrity of the electoral process. The updated provisions aim to modernize the election framework, particularly in light of technological advancements in data management and reporting. Furthermore, it could enhance public trust in the electoral system, as clarity in processes is often linked to perceptions of fairness.

Summary

House Bill 05521 aims to revise numerous statutes regarding voter registration and election administration within the state. The bill proposes several changes, including the process by which registrars of voters maintain and update the registry lists, as well as the procedures involved in the admission of electors. It seeks to simplify administrative processes, enhance efficiency in managing voter registrations, and ensure timely communication of voting results following elections.

Contention

Notably, questions may arise regarding the provisions for removing names from the voter registry, particularly those related to not maintaining residency and the criteria for confirming changes. The bill may face scrutiny from advocacy groups concerned about potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters, especially if stringent measures for registry updates and removals are interpreted as barriers. Additionally, the proposed changes to the procedures for training election officials and managing provisional ballots may lead to debates about the adequacy of resources to ensure that all election staff are well-prepared to implement these new regulations effectively.