Substitute Bill No. 1535 aims to enhance early voting procedures in Connecticut, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The bill establishes specific early voting periods for various elections, including regular elections, primaries (excluding presidential preference primaries), special elections, and presidential preference primaries, with designated start and end dates prior to the election. Key insertions include the requirement for unaffiliated voters to participate in early voting during primaries and the removal of the oath declaration for voters stating they have not previously voted in the election. Additionally, the bill mandates registrars of voters to submit annual written certifications of early voting locations to the Secretary of the State, who must approve or disapprove these certifications within seven days.

The bill also introduces new definitions and provisions regarding same-day election registration, allowing individuals to register during early voting or on election day, with specific eligibility requirements. It requires registrars to designate locations for processing these registrations and mandates secure handling of same-day registration ballots. Furthermore, the bill prohibits election officials from engaging in party or candidate services on the days they are appointed to serve and establishes stricter qualifications for moderators. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the voting process, enhance accessibility, and ensure the integrity of early voting and registration procedures in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-163aa, 9-163bb, 9-19j, 9-228a, 9-56, 9-250, 9-169
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-163aa, 9-163bb, 9-19j, 9-228a, 9-56, 9-169
File No. 663: 9-163aa, 9-163bb, 9-19j, 9-228a, 9-56, 9-169
APP Joint Favorable: 9-163aa, 9-163bb, 9-19j, 9-228a, 9-56, 9-169