MONDAY 2/22 – First Hearing on CT Election Law

February 18, 2021

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Possibly the most important issue facing Connecticut residents is preserving the integrity of our elections. At the one-year mark of executive branch control, the Connecticut General Assembly is simultaneously meeting via the internet and moving bills through the legislative process.

The public and minority party lawmakers are receiving only 5 calendar days’ notice on upcoming public hearings and as the ranking senator on the Government Administration and Elections Committee, I will be keeping you informed on the bills that will be discussed as these hearings are announced.

THIS MONDAY, February 22, 2021 starting at 10:30AM the committee will hold their first hearing to discuss two possible Connecticut Constitutional amendments as well as extending the emergency ordered elections changes to cover the May municipal elections and any special elections that may occur in the first half of 2021.

While I have always supported expanding the voting rights of Connecticut’s electorate, I have grave concerns about the details that are not included in the wording of the proposed constitutional amendments. Modernization of our elections rules is important, but should be done with a well thought out, purposeful process that preserves the integrity of our democratic systems.

I encourage you to speak out on these matters and join me in the effort to protect Connecticut elections.
Here are the bills on the agenda:

*H.J. No. 58 (COMM) RESOLUTION PROPOSING A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ALLOW NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING.

*H.J. No. 59 (COMM) RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR EARLY VOTING.

*S.B. No. 901 (RAISED) AN ACT EXTENDING TO JUNE 30, 2021, CHANGES IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2020 STATE ELECTION AS A RESULT OF COVID-19.

*H.B. No. 6464 (RAISED) AN ACT EXTENDING TO MAY 31, 2021, SEVERAL CHANGES IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2020 STATE ELECTION AS A RESULT OF COVID-19.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Register to speak at the meeting
Individuals who wish to testify via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form.  The registration form must contain the name of the person who will be testifying.  A unique email address must be provided for each person registered to speak.  Registration will close on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 3:00 P.M.

Speaker order of approved registrants will be listed in a randomized order and posted on the Government Administration and Elections Committee website on February 21, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. under Public Hearing Testimony.

2. Submit written testimony
Email written testimony in Word or PDF format to [email protected]. Testimony should include your name, town, and the related bill number(s).

3. Watch the hearing
The public hearing can be viewed via YouTube Live.  In addition, the public hearing may be recorded and broadcast live on CT-N.com.

There will be additional hearings in the future, and I will alert you of the upcoming opportunities to participate in these important discussions.

Thank you,