Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00939

Introduced
2/9/11  
Introduced
2/9/11  
Refer
2/9/11  
Refer
2/9/11  
Report Pass
4/1/11  
Report Pass
4/1/11  
Refer
4/14/11  
Refer
4/14/11  
Report Pass
4/20/11  
Report Pass
4/20/11  
Refer
4/27/11  
Refer
4/27/11  
Report Pass
5/2/11  
Report Pass
5/2/11  
Report Pass
5/3/11  
Report Pass
5/3/11  
Engrossed
6/2/11  
Report Pass
6/3/11  
Chaptered
6/28/11  
Chaptered
6/28/11  
Enrolled
6/30/11  
Enrolled
6/30/11  
Passed
7/13/11  

Caption

An Act Concerning Revisions To Elections Related Statutes.

Impact

The revisions also establish a systematic approach for maintaining and updating electoral lists and managing absentee ballots. By mandating that registrars of voters submit statements regarding elector changes, the bill promotes accountability within electoral management. Furthermore, it introduces specifications concerning the usage of electronic voting machines, focusing on their accessibility and the accuracy of the voting process. This is especially pertinent to facilitating the voting experience for individuals with disabilities and ensuring all votes are recorded correctly and privately. Overall, these revisions seek to bolster public confidence in the integrity of elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 939, also known as the Act Concerning Revisions To Elections Related Statutes, introduces various amendments aimed at streamlining and enhancing the electoral process. The legislation reflects an intent to improve the management of voter registration lists, dictate procedures for dealing with inactive voters, and provide clarity on how ballots are processed and counted. One significant revision involves ensuring that names on the inactive voter list are not included in calculations related to voting machinery and petition signature requirements. This change is designed to ensure that calculations reflect only active voters, thus refining assessment for electoral needs.

Sentiment

The reception of SB 939 appears to have been largely positive among legislators focused on electoral reform, with bipartisan support aimed at enhancing voting processes. However, potential concerns have been raised by advocacy groups regarding the implications for transition processes, particularly for citizens navigating changes in their registration status. Some stakeholders argue that while the bill addresses important issues, it may inadvertently complicate the process for certain voters if not implemented with sufficient resources and information outreach.

Contention

Among points of contention raised during discussions of SB 939 are concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of voters who may not be engaged through the new registration and list management processes. Moreover, discussion around the introduction of more stringent measurements for absentee ballot verification has led to questions about balancing security with accessibility. Advocates for voter rights emphasize the need for comprehensive public education initiatives to accompany these legislative changes, ensuring that all voters are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities under the new statutes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00258

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Minor And Technical Revisions To The Government Administration And Elections Statutes.

CT HB05498

An Act Concerning Election Security And Transparency, The Counting Of Absentee Ballots, Absentee Voting For Certain Patients Of Nursing Homes, Security Of Certain Election Workers, State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints, Ballots Made Available In Languages Other Than English And Various Other Revisions Related To Election Administration.

CT HB05494

An Act Concerning Referenda On Revisions To Municipal Charters And Home Rule Ordinances.

CT SB00441

An Act Concerning Election Administration Oversight.

CT SB00390

An Act Concerning Penalties For Certain Election Crimes.

CT SB00254

An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Risk-limiting Audits Working Group.

CT HB05448

An Act Concerning Security Of Certain Election Workers.

CT SB00386

An Act Concerning Designation Of Polling Places, Early Voting And Regional Election Advisors.

CT HB05290

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT HB05223

An Act Concerning Minor Revisions To Agriculture Related Statutes And To Open Space Acquisition Related Statutes.

Similar Bills

CT HB05441

An Act Concerning Certain Revisions To Elections Related Statutes And Concerning Participation By The Staff And Members Of The Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board In Political Campaigns.

CT HB06330

An Act Concerning Technical And Minor Revisions To Elections Related Statutes.

CT HB06002

An Act Concerning Absentee Voting And Reporting Of Results At The 2020 State Election, Expanding Election Day Registration And Ratifying Certain Provisions Of An Executive Order That Relate To The August 11, 2020, Primary.

CT SB00184

An Act Extending Through November 8, 2022, Several Changes Regarding Election Administration As A Result Of Covid-19 And Concerning Eligibility To Vote By Absentee Ballot.

CT SB00901

An Act Extending To June 30, 2021, Changes Implemented For The 2020 State Election As A Result Of Covid-19.

CT SB01051

An Act Strengthening The State's Elections.

CT SB00389

An Act Concerning The Citizens' Election Program For State-wide Offices.

CT SB00938

An Act Concerning Technical And Minor Changes To Elections-related Statutes.