Connecticut House Bill HB06328

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/1/21

Caption

An Act Concerning A Fine For Not Voting At An Election.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would amend Title 9 of the general statutes, which deals with elections and voting. By instituting a fine for non-participation, it could create a new stream of revenue directed to the Secretary of the State for deposit in the General Fund. This change could serve both as a deterrent against voter apathy and as a funding mechanism for state election-related initiatives. However, the effectiveness of such a fine in actually boosting voter turnout is a point that will likely be debated among lawmakers and constituents alike.

Summary

House Bill 06328 proposes a new regulation concerning voting in elections. The bill mandates that individuals who do not cast a ballot at an election will be subject to a fine of fifteen dollars. This fine is intended to encourage voter participation by imposing a financial penalty on those who choose not to exercise their right to vote. The bill positions itself as a motivator for increasing the voter turnout by linking civic engagement to a monetary consequence.

Contention

Notably, the bill raises several contentious issues. Critics may argue that imposing a fine for not voting could disproportionately affect low-income individuals or those facing barriers to voting, such as accessibility issues or lack of information. This raises ethical concerns regarding the obligation to participate in democratic processes and whether financial penalties are an appropriate response to non-participation. Additionally, the implementation of such a fine poses logistical questions about enforcement and payment collection, which will need to be addressed in the legislative process.