Connecticut House Bill HB05880

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Use Of Public Schools As Polling Places On Election Day.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05880 would amend Title 9 of the General Statutes, which governs elections, specifically by adding constraints on the use of public school buildings during election periods. This legislative change is likely to influence how towns and local governments manage polling locations, prompting them to seek alternative venues that do not conflict with school activities. This adjustment is anticipated to lead to a reassessment of polling places and may require additional resources or planning to accommodate voters effectively.

Summary

House Bill 05880 proposes a significant change in the way public schools can be utilized during elections by prohibiting their use as polling places while school is in session. The primary intent behind the bill is to enhance the safety of students. With the expected influx of voters, the presence of non-school personnel can create safety concerns within the school environment, particularly during busy election days. The bill aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring that schools are not functioning as election sites during operational hours.

Contention

While supporters of HB 05880 emphasize student safety as a primary concern, there may also be some contention regarding the logistics of finding alternative polling sites, especially in areas with limited facilities. Opponents might argue that the prohibition could restrict the accessibility of polling places and thus potentially affect voter turnout. As schools often serve as central, convenient locations for voting, the bill could provoke debate around balancing safety with the inclusion of voters in the electoral process.