Disability Voting Rights Week

September 15, 2022


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz stopped by the West Hartford Town Hall this week to highlight the $1.5 million in state funding I secured with members of the West Hartford legislative delegation for the Park Road redevelopment. This project aims to improve the neighborhood for our residents, businesses and our environment. The State Bond Commission approved this funding earlier this summer. The funds will support repaving the roadway, potential installation of bicycle lanes, replacing sidewalks, adding traffic-calming features and a new community event board. Click here to learn more about this project.
 
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Last week, I joined many experts and legislative colleagues for the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity Advancing Equity Symposium. The event highlighted the implementation of a 2018 law to include racial and ethnic impact statements in our legislative process, which would help determine bills' impact on existing disparities. Connecticut is among the first states to implement this practice to build a future that's more equitable for all residents. 
 
Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. It is critical that all eligible voters have equal access and opportunity to participate in our electoral process. Connecticut is committed to ensuring that the polls are accessible to all voters and that you are fully able to exercise your voting rights privately and independently. 
Do You Know Your Rights?
  • You have the right to an accessible polling place
  • Accommodations can be made if you have difficulty standing in line at the polls
  • You have the right to use a ballot marking device at the polling place
  • You have the right to vote independently and privately
  • You have the right to receive assistance if you need help casting your ballot
  • You have the right to review a sample ballot and receive instructions concerning how to operate the voting equipment before voting 
  • You can request curbside voting if you become temporarily incapacitated when you arrive at the polling place
  • You have the right to vote by absentee ballot if you have a physical disability that prevents you from voting in person on Election Day.
If your voting rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the State Elections Enforcement Commission by calling 866-733-2463 or emailing elections@ct.gov. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Voting should be fair and accessible to all and I'm proud to support legislative initiatives to expand access to the vote.

Last year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a resolution that will give you the opportunity to modernize our state's election rules. On November 8, 2022, voters will decide if Connecticut should allow for in-person early voting.
 
We also passed several new voting laws this year and during the 2021 session to make it easier to vote absentee. Click the buttons below to learn more.
 
If you have questions about voting absentee, head over to the Secretary of the State's website to learn more and download an application for an absentee ballot. 
2021 Acts Affecting Elections
2022 Acts Affecting Elections
 
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Have you heard about the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) Dream Big! Competition? The program, which is offered by Connecticut's Office of the Treasurer, gives Connecticut parents and guardians the opportunity to win money toward their child's future education. This year's competition features three grand prizes of $25,000, as well as awards ranging from $500 to $7,500. 

To enter, students must submit a drawing, video, or written essay, depending on age, that answers the specific prompt assigned for their age group. The final day to submit entries is October 21, 2022. 

For more information about the Dream Big! Competition and to enter, please click the button below.
CHET Dream Big! Competition
 
Learn about nature and take action to protect our environment with Natural Dividends at the GastroPark this Sunday, September 18 at 12 PM for a community cleanup and gathering. 

During this free sustainability event, attendees will help clean up the Elmwood and New Park area during a "Negative Net Hiking" walk while also learning about ways to positively impact the environment. In addition to the walk, there will be fun activities, prizes, food and more! Learn more and register here.
 
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov. Follow @KateforCT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Kate Farrar
State Representative
she/her/hers
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Instagram
Instagram

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences