In 2023, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas expressed support for a constitutional amendment that would enshrine ‘No Excuse’ absentee ballot voting for every voter. Last year, S.J. No. 29, a Resolution approving an amendment to the state constitution to allow no-excuse absentee voting, was passed.
In addition to 14 days of early voting, ‘no-excuse’ absentee ballots–if guaranteed by the state constitution–would make an already strained electoral landscape even more precarious in Connecticut. Registrars of voters across Connecticut, unfortunately, have been reluctant to step forward on the implications.
Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas testified:
“Both S.J. No. 29….and H.J. No. 1….would propose a state constitutional amendment to the voters to allow for no-excuse absentee voting. Currently the Constitution of the State of Connecticut narrowly restricts the reasons for which a voter may be eligible to utilize an absentee ballot. …. During the pandemic more than 650,000 Connecticut voters chose to vote by absentee ballot – 35% of total votes cast. These voters came to appreciate the ease and convenience absentee ballots provided and are still wondering why can’t they choose to vote this way in every election….”
The joint resolution passed the Government, Administrative and Elections (GAE) committee in March 2023 along party lines, 13-6, reading thus:
“If the resolution passes by a majority of the membership of each house, it will appear on the 2024 general election ballot. If a majority of those voting on the amendment in the general election approves it, the amendment will become part of the state constitution.”
“The designation of said proposed amendment to be used on the ballots at such election shall be “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to allow each voter to vote by absentee ballot?”
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