Connecticut House Bill HJ00045

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Automatically Admit Eighteen-year-old State Residents As Electors.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact state laws concerning voter registration by simplifying the process for new voters. Automatic registration would mean that eligible individuals are automatically included on the voter rolls, which can help increase voter turnout and participation rates among newly eligible young voters. This change aligns with trends observed in other jurisdictions that have implemented similar automatic voter registration practices, often resulting in higher engagement in the electoral process among younger demographics.

Summary

HJ00045 is a proposed resolution to amend the state's constitution to automatically register individuals who are eighteen years old and residing in the state as electors. This amendment aims to streamline the voting registration process for young residents, removing previous requirements that necessitated a separate application for voter registration. The intent behind the bill is to enhance civic participation among young citizens and ensure that they can engage in the electoral process as soon as they reach the legal voting age.

Contention

As with many election-related reforms, HJ00045 may face opposition concerning the potential implications for voter security and the integrity of the electoral process. Critics of automatic registration argue that it could lead to inaccuracies on voter rolls and raise concerns about verifying the residency status of new voters. While proponents assert that the benefits of increased participation outweigh these concerns, the dialogue surrounding the bill will likely include debates over voter identification laws and requirements to ensure the registration process is secure and reliable.