Joan Hartley

Senate Approves Bill Modernizing Connecticut Voting Rules

Today, state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Middlebury and Naugatuck), joined the Senate in voting to approve an important modernization of Connecticut voting laws that will improve voting access for everyone by allowing different state agencies to automatically enroll new voters and allow people with developmental disabilities to have a legal representative assist them with registering to vote and with voting.

Senate Bill 5, “An Act Concerning Increased Opportunities For Absentee Voting, Safe and Secure In-Person Voting, Voter Registration And Certain Other Changes Regarding Election Administration,” passed the Senate on a 25-10 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“This common-sense legislation will make voting more accessible to Connecticut residents, especially for people with disabilities and students of voting-age. These updates will strengthen efforts to ensure all people in our state have the opportunity to make their voices heard in casting a ballot,” said Sen. Hartley.