General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5434 proposes significant amendments to Connecticut's election laws concerning the recognition and nomination process for minor parties. The bill repeals Sections 9-453b and 9-372 of the general statutes, with new provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2027. It establishes that the Secretary of the State will only issue nominating petition forms for candidates starting on the first business day of the election year, requiring a written application that includes candidates' names, consent, and party designations. Importantly, a party designation can only be included if it is reserved with the Secretary or corresponds with a minor party qualified for a different office on the same ballot.

Additionally, the bill redefines what constitutes a "minor party," specifying that it must not be classified as a major party and must have received at least one percent of the votes in the last election for the relevant office. It clarifies that the provisions of sections 9-51 to 9-67 will apply to both major and minor parties, allowing candidates from a minor party that achieves minor party status for a state-wide office to apply via nominating petition for any office in subsequent elections. The bill aims to streamline the nomination process and enhance the participation of minor parties in the electoral system, ultimately providing greater access for minor party candidates.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-453b, 9-372, 9-66