Press Releases
04/24/2019
Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz Applaud House Passage of Constitutional Amendment Allowing Early Voting
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz are applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for passing a resolution tonight that will adopt an amendment to the state constitution to create a system of early voting for elections in the state.
“This past Election Day, thousands of voters waited in the pouring rain, in some cases for hours, to vote,” Governor Lamont said. “In a 21st century economy, it is simply not realistic nor practical to expect every citizen to be able to physically go to one designated location during a specific set of hours on a Tuesday. As a democracy that prides itself on openness, transparency, and accessibility, it is our responsibility to make it easier for citizens to cast their ballots and have a say in their government. Early voting procedures have been successful in a growing number of states across the country – Connecticut has fallen behind and it’s time we catch up. I applaud Secretary of the State Denise Merrill for tirelessly championing this proposal through the legislature, as well as the overwhelming majority of lawmakers in the House who saw it fit today to support this amendment. If we truly want to increase participation in our government, this is something we should all support.”
“Our country and our state saw a record number of new voters registering during last year’s midterm elections,” Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. “While this is a significant milestone to achieving a more inclusive democracy, still only about 65 percent of eligible Connecticut voters cast a ballot in 2018. In some areas, voter turnout was only 41 percent. Giving residents more options and more time to vote will make it easier for everyone – especially seniors, students, and working families – to exercise this important constitutional right just like everyone else.”
The House approved the resolution by a three-fourths supermajority vote of 125-24. The resolution next moves to the Senate for its approval. If that chamber also approves the resolution by a three-fourths vote, a question on whether to adopt the constitutional amendment will appear on the November 2020 statewide ballot for voters’ approval.
The resolution is HJR 161, Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the State Constitution to Allow for Early Voting and No-Excuse Absentee Voting.
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