Substitute Senate Bill No. 491 aims to enhance absentee voting in Connecticut by implementing no-excuse absentee voting, allowing any eligible voter to request an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason. The bill repeals and replaces Section 9-135, streamlining the absentee ballot application process and eliminating the previous requirement for voters to justify their absence. Key amendments include the introduction of a unique ballot identification number on return envelopes, the ability for municipal clerks to transmit applications electronically, and the option for voters to submit absentee ballot applications online starting July 1, 2021. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records and establishes new regulations for individuals distributing absentee ballot applications.

Additionally, the bill modifies procedures for counting absentee ballots, mandates daily retrieval of ballots from drop boxes, and allows voters to cure issues with their return envelopes. It expands eligibility for permanent absentee ballot status to all eligible voters and eliminates the annual verification requirement. The legislation also includes provisions for a public awareness campaign to inform voters about the changes, with estimated costs for implementation ranging from $1.65 million to $1.8 million for the state and $822,000 to $2.5 million for municipalities in FY 27. Overall, the bill seeks to simplify the absentee voting process, increase voter participation, and enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral system.

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
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 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
File No. 581: 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