Senator Hwang Explains New Early Voting Process, Discusses Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2024

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Joe Canino
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Senator Hwang Explains New Early Voting Process, Discusses Funding

HARTFORD – Yesterday, Senator Tony Hwang visited the Connecticut Town Clerks Association’s Legislative Breakfast at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Senator Hwang discussed with Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, and multiple town clerks, the biggest issues the clerks are facing this legislative session. The unanimous agreement among those clerks was a concern for how the early voting process was to be conducted, as this is the first year that it is allowed under state statute. Under the new legislation, during the early voting period, registrars are responsible for handling early voting ballots during their operating hours, and the town clerk’s office covers when they are closed. For some smaller towns, whose registrars are open only two or three days a week, this will place a significant burden on town clerks’ offices who will pick up the responsibility of handling ballots.

On a financial note, the state of Connecticut gave every municipality a flat $10,500 this year for election costs related to early voting, regardless of a municipality’s size, complexity, and unique demands. Municipalities are worried that this will not cover the costs of training and staffing required for early voting implementation. Smaller towns with significantly less staffing would have a higher financial burden as they have fewer resources and higher startup costs to hire more staff needed to accommodate the early voting period. Larger towns like Fairfield face unique challenges with a large volume of votes to manage over the early voting period and higher training costs for more staff.

“I encourage everyone to vote and to vote early. This expansion in voting accessibility means more time for anyone to come and submit their vote, increasing civic engagement. I urge my fellow lawmakers to support an increase in early voting funding to ensure this is not an unfunded mandate on our already burdened municipalities. We need to fund it further.” Remarked Senator Tony Hwang.

“I appreciate the advocacy from Senator Hwang and his colleagues on this issue. We want to ensure that town clerk’s voices and concerns are heard. Our main focus is making sure the early voting process runs smoothly.” Said Newtown Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead.

“I hope every person eligible to vote in the primary will show up during the early voting period. Our registrars of voters have been working around the clock to make early voting a success, and they would love for you to test the system.” Said Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas.