General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5531 establishes a new framework for presidential electors in Connecticut, effective October 1, 2026. The bill requires all candidates for presidential elector, whether endorsed by a political party or as write-in candidates, to sign a pledge committing to vote for their party's nominees or the candidates they represent. This pledge must be included in their official filings, and it will also apply to successor nominees if a party's nominee for President or Vice President withdraws or dies before the electors meet. The bill revises the procedures for the meeting of presidential electors, mandating that they convene at the Secretary of the State's office to cast their electoral college ballots and introducing new provisions for filling vacancies among electors, which require replacements to also execute a pledge.

Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces existing language in Sections 9-176 and 9-315 of the general statutes. It assigns the Secretary of the State the responsibility for overseeing the ballot casting process, ensuring compliance with the pledges, and issuing and transmitting the certificate of ascertainment to the Archivist of the United States. If an elector fails to adhere to the pledge or refuses to sign the required certificates, they will forfeit their position, creating a vacancy that must be filled according to specified procedures. The legislation aims to enhance accountability and consistency in the electoral process by ensuring that electors adhere to their commitments.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-176, 9-315