Derek Slap

MATCHING CONNECTICUT’S VOTE IN 2022, SENATE DEMOCRATS GIVE FINAL APPROVAL TO EARLY VOTING BILL

HARTFORD – The Democrat-led state Senate early this morning gave final passage to House Bill 5004, “AN ACT IMPLEMENTING EARLY VOTING,” which establishes a framework for early, in-person voting for all general elections, primaries, and special elections in Connecticut held on or after January 1, 2024.

Democrats passed the bill in the House and Senate after 60% of Connecticut voters approved of an early voting change last fall to the state constitution. Forty-six American states already allow some form of early voting.

“It is clear that our constituents want early voting and have been demanding for many years that Connecticut adopts voting reforms,” said State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), Senate Vice Chair of the Government Administration and Employees Committee and who voted for the bill, said. “At a time when other states are rolling back voting rights, I’m so gratified that we are moving in the other direction. We want every eligible voter in Connecticut to have the opportunity to cast a ballot – and have their voice heard.”

Specifically, the bill requires a 14-day early voting period for general elections, a seven-day period for most primaries, and a four-day early voting period for special elections and presidential preference primaries.

Every city and town in Connecticut must establish at least one early voting location and may establish more. Early voting locations must be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends, except that on the last Tuesday and Thursday before the election, the locations must be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The bill also sets various requirements and procedures for early voting including voter eligibility, same-day election registration, ballot custody, staffing and training, and materials.

The bill now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.