Earlier this week, I wrote to you about the passage of House Bill 5001, which modernizes Connecticut’s elections by expanding access to absentee ballots. That reform brings our system into the 21st century and makes it easier for eligible voters to participate in our democracy.
HB 5001 does more than simply provide more opportunities to cast a ballot. It also represents the strongest legislation in the country to protect your vote and our elections from the Trump administration's threats. I was proud to co-author and lead passage of this legislation.
Protecting our elections against the Trump Administration’s threats
President Donald Trump has made it no secret that he intends to "nationalize" and "take over" our elections. Some of his closest advisers have urged him to use law or immigration enforcement to intimidate eligible voters at polling places. HB 5001 contains a number of protections to make sure none of those things happen in Connecticut.
The measure would bar federal law enforcement within 250 feet of a polling place or other sensitive election sites without permission from state election officials or a court order. It also bans the use of masks unless they’re worn for medical or religious reasons. Violations can lead to a state investigation, prosecution, and penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
The proposal would also:
Require coordination with the Connecticut Secretary of the State and the Attorney General (AG) before federal agents conduct operations near a polling place
Empower the AG to prevent people from interfering with our elections
Establish state penalties to ensure these protections are taken seriously
This legislation is about two fundamental principles: expanding access to the ballot and protecting voters from intimidation. Every eligible voter deserves to feel safe, secure, and confident when they cast a ballot. HB 5001 ensures that Connecticut’s elections remain free from interference and firmly under the control of the people of our state.
The Senate now has until May 6 at midnight to pass the measure.
