General Assembly Raised Bill No. 491 proposes significant changes to absentee voting in Connecticut by implementing a no-excuse absentee voting system. The bill modifies Section 9-135 of the general statutes, removing the requirement for specific reasons to request an absentee ballot, thus allowing any eligible voter to apply for one. It also repeals and replaces Section 9-137, which details the requirements for returning absentee ballots, including the introduction of a unique ballot identification number and the prohibition of promotional materials alongside absentee ballot applications. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of the State provide clear instructions and materials in plain language to enhance accessibility for voters.

Further amendments include the establishment of an online system for absentee ballot applications, the requirement for municipal clerks to maintain logs of absentee ballot applications, and the introduction of secure drop boxes for ballot returns. The bill also outlines procedures for handling rejected ballots, ensuring voters are notified within 24 hours of rejection, and emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of the voting process. Overall, Raised Bill No. 491 aims to streamline absentee voting procedures, enhance voter accessibility, and improve the transparency and accountability of the electoral process in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-135, 9-137, 9-140a, 9-140c, 9-140e, 9-153b, 9-153c, 9-158f, 9-158g, 9-158h, 9-159p, 9-359a, 9-369b