Connecticut House Bill HB06326

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/1/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Annual Canvass Of Electors.

Impact

The legislation is expected to have significant implications for state election laws. By requiring the Secretary of the State to verify and update voter registration information annually, it seeks to reduce the potential for fraud and uphold the integrity of elections. Additionally, the bill prohibits the mailing of unsolicited absentee ballot applications to electors who cannot be confirmed during the canvass. This measure is designed to prevent misuse of absentee ballots and ensure that only eligible voters receive them. Overall, this could lead to a more streamlined voting process while safeguarding election integrity.

Summary

House Bill 06326 proposes amendments to Title 9 of the general statutes, focusing on the annual canvass of electors within municipalities. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Secretary of the State conduct an annual canvass of every residence and update voter registration information based on the findings. This new requirement aims to enhance the accuracy of voter rolls and ensure that the state's electoral process is more efficient and reliable. By confirming elector details annually, the bill intends to address issues related to outdated or inaccurate voter registration records.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of this bill, as it places a considerable administrative burden on the Secretary of the State’s office and local election officials. Critics might argue that conducting annual canvasses could lead to disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly those who may have difficulty in confirming their registration status or who may be absent during the canvass process. Proponents of the bill contend that these measures are essential for maintaining the legitimacy of electoral processes and addressing growing concerns about voter fraud.