The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for June 2, 2023
Today’s Script: (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time)
Today’s Links now below the script
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
Wednesday, the Connecticut Senate passed a bill implementing 14 days of in-person early voting and the state is likely to join 46 other states with an early voting option. The bill now goes to Gov. Ned Lamont, who is expected to sign it.
Early voting has had a challenging road in Connecticut, starting with a proposed modification of absentee voting rules in 1994. Attempts at allowing voting by mail and no excuse absentee all failed, in part because the state constitution didn’t grant the legislature power to change the manner of voting. In 2014, a constitutional amendment allowing early voting and no-excuse absentee failed 52 to 48%.
Finally in 2022, voters approved a constitutional measure 61 to 39% giving the legislature the power to legislate early in-person voting. The bill passed June 1st codifies that ballot measure.
The bill allows for 14 days of in-person early voting before a general election, beginning the 15th of the month prior to election, and ending two days before the election day. It also provides for seven days of early voting for most state primaries, and four days for Presidential primaries and special elections.
Also passing the Senate Wednesday was a constitutional measure for the 2024 ballot allowing no-excuse absentee voting.
Connecticut’s actions leave only New Hampshire, Alabama & Mississippi without early voting options.
We have more on early voting, groups taking action and a sign-up for our free daily email at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org, I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Associated Press – Connecticut Senate passes early voting bill, new system allows up to 14 days of in-person voting
BallotPedia – Connecticut Question 1, Allow for Early Voting Amendment (2022)
Connecticut Legislature – House Bill No. 5004 Implementing Early Voting
National Conference of State Legislatures – Early In-Person Voting Statistics
Vote.org – Early Voting Calendar and Rules by State
Groups Taking Action:
Supporting organizations to the Connecticut Votes Early campaign, League of Women Voters CT, Connecticut Citizens Action Group, Hispanic Federation
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