Moving the Needle on Voting Rights
While many legislatures across the country are restricting voting rights, Connecticut is moving in the opposite direction. As you know, the House recently passed a resolution for early voting. Last night, we tackled unconditional absentee ballots.
I join all of you who have expressed your ardent support for unconditional ("no-excuse") absentee voting. I'm proud to have spoken and voted in support of HJR 58 last night, and while I’m disappointed only nine Republicans joined the Democratic majority in approving the measure, I will keep pushing for it. As it now stands, we didn’t get the requisite super-majority needed to put the question directly to you, the voters, on the ballot next year. Onward to 2024! THANK YOU to the wonderful voting rights advocates who really helped move the needle. You know who you are.
The freedom to vote includes being able to conveniently cast a ballot by the method of the voter’s choice – either in-person on Election Day, in-person prior to Election Day (Early Voting), or by absentee ballot without needing to provide an excuse. Restricting the vote to one particular Tuesday makes it difficult for many people to come to the polls, including those with disabilities, older residents, low wage workers with little job flexibility, people without transportation, students, and those who care for others at home, to name but a few.
You can track and read H.J. No. 58 in its entirety HERE.