Substitute Bill No. 7228 proposes significant reforms to the administration of elections in Connecticut, particularly focusing on absentee ballots. Key provisions include the requirement for municipal clerks to retain unopened absentee ballot envelopes, endorse them with the date, time, and method of receipt, and record the method of return for each ballot. The bill modifies the timeline for sorting and delivering absentee ballots, establishing stricter deadlines and removing previous flexible delivery provisions. Additionally, it introduces new procedures for counting absentee ballots, including the requirement for counters to check the names of applicants whose ballots are delivered by 6 p.m. on election day and to endorse reasons for any rejected ballots on their outer envelopes.

The bill also centralizes the nomination process for municipal offices by replacing the term "registrar" with "Secretary of the State" and requires petition forms to include specific information about supporting party members. It enhances the recanvassing process by mandating public announcements of candidate names and vote counts, and it requires moderators to address discrepancies with officials from different political parties. Furthermore, the bill improves early voting procedures by ensuring registrars provide necessary materials and information to voters. The legislation includes appropriations for early voting administration and sets effective dates for various provisions, aiming to enhance the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of the electoral process in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-140c, 9-147a, 9-159o, 9-163bb, 9-409, 9-309, 9-261c, 9-438
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-140c, 9-147a, 9-159o, 9-163bb, 9-409, 9-309
File No. 693: 9-140c, 9-159o, 9-163bb, 9-409, 9-309
APP Joint Favorable: 9-140c, 9-147a, 9-159o, 9-163bb, 9-409, 9-309