March 22, 2012

GAE MOVES ON ELECTION REFORMS

House Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE) Russell Morin hailed his committee’s approval of a package of voter reforms.

“Our current system of voter registration is archaic,” Rep. Morin said. “These reforms are a sensible step in the right direction.”

House Bill 5024: An Act Concerning Voting Rights, would allow Election Day voter registration and create an online voter registration system for eligible Connecticut voters with a driver’s license. Experts testified before GAE that online voter registration not only makes it easier for people to vote in elections, but would save taxpayer dollars.

Last week, GAE approved a resolution calling for an amendment to the state Constitution that would remove restrictions on absentee ballot voting. At least 27 other states allow no-excuse absentee voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The committee also approved a bill to increase penalties for voter intimidation and vote tampering.

The legislation will now be taken up by the full House of Representatives.

Russell Morin was first elected in 2006 to represent the 28th House District in Wethersfield. He is House Chair of the Government, Administration and Elections committee and a member of the Finance and Transportation committees.