Press Releases
05/31/2023
Statement of Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas on Senate Passage of Early Voting, No-Excuse Absentee Voting Constitutional Amendment
(Hartford, CT) – Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas applauded the Connecticut Senate for their passage of legislation to implement an early voting program in Connecticut next year.
“This is a pivotal moment for expanded voting access in Connecticut. Early voting will ensure all eligible voters have the flexibility they need to exercise their voting rights at the ballot box,” said Secretary Thomas. “I’m grateful to our legislators for recognizing the importance of approving an early voting program this session. With the appropriate funding, I’m confident that my office and our local registrars and clerks will implement seamless, transparent, and accurate early voting beginning in 2024.”
Secretary Thomas also commended legislators for approving a state constitutional amendment to allow for no-excuse absentee voting earlier in the night.
“When voters are given the greatest access to their right to vote, our democracy is strongest. Today we took a critical step towards strengthening our democracy by giving voters the option to break down some of the barriers that may prevent them from casting a ballot,” said Secretary Thomas. “The opportunity to weigh in on this constitutional amendment lies where it should - with the people. I plan to work tirelessly to make voters aware of this important ballot measure. Based on the results of the early voting ballot measure, I expect the voters to pass universal absentee ballot access into law.”
The early voting legislation, House Bill 5004, An Act Implementing Early Voting, must next be signed into law by Governor Lamont. House Joint Resolution 1, Resolution Approving a State Constitutional Amendment to Allow No-Excuse Absentee Voting, will next appear on the ballot in the 2024 general election for a majority of Connecticut voters to decide whether it becomes law.
###
- Twitter: Secretary of State on Twitter
- Facebook: Secretary of State on Facebook