On Election Day last November, voters overwhelming approved a constitutional amendment question asking if the state should consider implementing an early voting system.

As a result, the state House of Representatives passed a bill (HB 5004) last week that will allow early voting in Connecticut beginning in 2024.

The legislation, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 107-35, modernizes the state's election process and allows for more convenience and fairness, reflecting the realities of hectic modern-day life. It still must pass the Senate and be signed by the Governor to become law, but we expect that to occur before the legislature adjourns in June.

Under such a law, voters will be able to cast their ballots in person up to 14 days ahead of Election Day, up to seven days in advance of state and local party primaries, and up to four days before special elections as well as presidential primaries.

In addition to helping to address both voter equity and accessibility by allowing a longer time frame for you to vote, early voting will also help increase voter turnout and result in shorter lines at some of our most active Election Day polling locations.

It is important to also point out that early voting is not a radical idea, but something that was long overdue in Connecticut. A total of 46 states plus the District of Columbia currently offer some form of early voting.

Your voice should not be silenced just because you can’t make it to the polls within a 14-hour span on Election Day. Early voting will allow you to both honor your life commitments and exercise your right to vote.