Connecticut House Bill HB05316

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/22/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Removal Of Deceased Persons From Voter Registry Lists.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will amend existing general statutes to create a mandatory communication procedure between vital statistics registrars and registrars of voters. The proposed changes emphasize the importance of accurate and up-to-date voter records, especially in a climate where voter integrity is a significant concern. It reflects a broader institutional effort to simplify administrative processes and enhance public confidence in the electoral system. The legislative adjustments could lead to a more current and reliable registry, which is critical for future elections.

Summary

House Bill 5316 aims to streamline the process of maintaining accurate voter registration lists by facilitating the timely removal of deceased individuals. The bill stipulates that upon receipt of a death certificate by the registrar of vital statistics, they are required to immediately notify the local registrars of voters about the deceased person's voting residence. This change is designed to ensure that deceased individuals are swiftly removed from voter registry lists, thereby preventing any potential electoral fraud and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Contention

While the bill may garner support from those advocating for voter integrity and proper electoral procedure, there could be points of contention regarding privacy and data handling. Critics may question how data is managed and shared among registrars, as concerns about maintaining confidentiality of personal information persist. Additionally, there may be debates about the administrative burden this bill could place on local registrars, considering they would need to implement new notification processes, which may require additional training or resources.