Substitute Bill No. 1516 proposes comprehensive amendments to Connecticut's election laws, focusing on enhancing the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process. Key changes include the repeal of the requirement for towns to be divided into voting districts for reporting election results, instead mandating town clerks to provide a consolidated listing of official returns to the Secretary of the State. The bill also introduces provisions for curbside voting for electors with incapacity, allowing them to cast their ballots outside polling places, and establishes regulations to prohibit solicitation within a specified distance from polling locations. Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of municipal corporation counsels regarding voting rights and modifies the procedures for candidate endorsements, requiring timely filing of certificates of endorsement and allowing for corrections to errors.
Further amendments address the handling of voter registration information, stipulating that only the month and year of a voter's date of birth will be disclosed unless for governmental purposes. The bill restricts the use of voter registration information to election-related activities and prohibits its use for personal or commercial purposes. It also ensures the confidentiality of sensitive information and allows voters to request nondisclosure of their names and addresses for safety reasons. Overall, the bill aims to streamline election processes, improve accessibility for voters, and enhance the protection of voter information while ensuring compliance with updated regulations.
Statutes affected: Raised Bill: 9-322a, 9-236, 9-388, 9-400, 9-452, 9-453e, 9-453j, 9-250, 9-135b, 9-256, 9-50d, 9-3
GAE Joint Favorable: 9-322a, 9-236, 9-388, 9-400, 9-452, 9-453e, 9-453j, 9-250, 9-135b, 9-256, 9-50d, 9-3
File No. 673: 9-322a, 9-236, 9-388, 9-400, 9-452, 9-453e, 9-453j, 9-250, 9-135b, 9-256, 9-50d, 9-3
JUD Joint Favorable: 9-322a, 9-236, 9-388, 9-400, 9-452, 9-453e, 9-453j, 9-250, 9-135b, 9-256, 9-50d, 9-3
APP Joint Favorable: 9-322a, 9-236, 9-388, 9-400, 9-452, 9-453e, 9-453j, 9-250, 9-135b, 9-256, 9-50d, 9-3