Government Administration and Elections Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HJ-59
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE
Title: CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR EARLY VOTING.
Vote Date: 3/5/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/22/2021
File No.: 97
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Government Administration and Elections Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
To allow eligible voters in the state of Connecticut the option of in person early voting. The
question would appear on the November 8, 2022 election ballot as "Shall the Constitution of
the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?".
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Denise W. Merrill, Secretary of the State: In her testimony, Secretary Merrill stated her
support to allow a system of in-person Early Voting to be created. She explained that passing
this bill would give voters more flexibility when casting their ballots and would allow the State
of Connecticut to join the majority of states that provide this option. She stated that in 2020
more than 100 million people voted early, accounting for more than two thirds of the total
votes that were cast. According to a recent poll, Secretary Merrill stated that 79% of voters in
Connecticut supported Early Voting. She goes on the emphasize the effects of COVID-19 on
the 2020 election and how Early Voting allowed voters to cast their ballots without having to
choose between their health and ability to vote. Secretary Merrill explains that voting yes on
this bill would simply remove the restrictions against Early Voting in the state Constitution and
once passed additional conversations need to be had to discuss the best way to implement
the reform.
Connecticut Senate Democrats, Connecticut General Assembly: The Connecticut
Senate Democrats caucus gave their testimony in support of Early Voting. They stated that
not all eligible voters may have the ability to vote in-person on election day and allowing Early
voting would provide flexible accessibility to the residents of Connecticut. They emphasized
that Connecticut is one of only a few states that in-person early voting is not made available.
Allowing Early Voting, according to the caucus, would potentially remove any hardships that
voters may have in regards to getting to the polls and prevent voter disenfranchisement.
State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO): The
State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities provided testimony in
support of allowing Early Voting in the state of Connecticut. They explained that by allowing
the opportunity to vote early in-person would promote inclusivity of all eligible voters to be
able to access the ballot box. They emphasized that many of Connecticuts current voting
laws are restrictive and disproportionately affect Black, Latinx, Indigenous and Asian voters.
In addition, voter groups such as those with disabilities or seniors are also affected because
of accessibility issues. CHRO stated that voter participation in the 2020 election was higher
than in 2016, likely being, in-part, due to the option of voting early. The State of Connecticut
Commission on Human Rights support voting early in order to eliminate barriers to voting to
give all people of Connecticut the chance to have a voice.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Ingrid Alvarez, Vice President for Policy and Strategic Engagement, Hispanic
Federation: In their testimony Alvarez of the Hispanic Federation stated that they are
committed to helping minimize systemic and structural barriers that create hardships for
Connecticuts Rising American Electorates (RAE), that is comprised of Latinos, people of
color, new voter registrants, mid-to-low-income households, women, single mother and low to
mid propensity voters that have historically been underrepresentation and face unique
barriers to vote. Some of these barriers that were stated include, language barriers at the
polls, conflict of time when working, longer lines in large urban centers, and limited access to
affordable and reliable transportation. They stated that allowing early voting would increase
voter turnout and allow for more flexibility and accessibility to many voters.
Stephen Anderson, President, CSEA SEIU Local 2001: In their testimony, Anderson
stated that early voting is the norm through most of our country and Connecticut is only one
of seven states that gives voters no access to voting prior to Election Day without an excuse.
They explained that allowing early voting would give voters a safe, secure and effective way
to cast their vote and would enhance our democracy.
Hon. Darryl Brackeen, JR., Chair, Generation Change CT: Hon. Darryl Brackeen testified
that allowing early voting would build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive democracy and
economy for all of Connecticuts residents. They explained that current voting restrictions
negatively and disproportionately impact communities of color. They stated that there should
be a set minimum of 15 days for early in-person voting with poll sites evenly distributed
across community. Additionally, an electronic voting option should be offered for voters to use
on their smartphones, tablets and computers.
Lori Brown, Executive Director, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters: Lori Brown
testified that the easier it is for people to vote, the more people will be engaged in our
democratic process which would in turn strengthen support for the environment. They
explained that Connecticut should be expanding options available to vote to help encourage
new voters, many of which are encouraged and driven by environmental issues to take part
of the voting process.
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Luke A. Bronin, Mayor, City of Hartford, Connecticut: Mayor Bronin testified that
Connecticut is one of only a handful of states that does not allow early voting. By doing so, it
would dramatically expand access to the ballot box which would strengthen the states
democracy. They explained that the percentage of voters voting on election day has been
declining over the past several decades. Mayor Bronin stated that allowing early voting would
lower the barrier to entry for our democracy and make election-day operations smoother.
Rhonda Caldwell, Lead Organizer, Hamden Action NOW, Town of Hamden: Caldwell
testified that Connecticut is one of the most voter suppressed states in the nation. They
explained that 502,235 eligible voters did not vote in the 2016 election. Barriers such as long
lines at polling places, weather, the times in which the polls are open, accessibility for people
with disabilities, and language barriers disenfranchises CT voters. They stated that allowing
early voting would allow voters more flexibility to cast their vote.
Marilyn P. Carroll, President, League of Women Voters of Ridgefield: Carroll testified
that allowing early voting would make it possible for Connecticut voters to decide if they want
to make voting more convenient and safe. Once passed, Legislators can then determine the
appropriate details to put these practices into action.
Maureen Chalmers, President, The 4Cs, SEIU Local 1973: Chalmers provided testimony
stating that allowing early voting would ensure that all eligible and registered voters will have
a greater opportunity to participate in our democracy.
Nancy J. Dinardo, Chair, Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee: Dinardo
testified that allowing for early voting is overdo and would provide voters and easy, safe and
uninhibited access to cast their vote.
Gretchen Raffa, MSW, Senior Director, Public Policy, Advocacy & Organizing, Planned
Parenthood of Southern New England, Inc.: In their testimony, Raffa stated that it is
necessary to secure voting rights for all voters. They explain that the ability to preserve and
expand access to reproductive rights is directly correlated to the right to vote. Raffa testified
that the 2020 election reached near-record highs. According to Raffa, getting to the polls on
election day can be hard for working families which can force some to have to choose
between family/work obligations and their ability to vote. Making early voting an option would
eliminate that conflict. Raffa explains that the reproductive lives of people of color, young
people, the LGBTQ community and people in low-income communities are always at stake
during the election season making it imperative that every eligible voter gets an equal
opportunity to participate in the election.
Cheri Quickmire, Executive Director, Common Cause in Connecticut: Quickmire testified
that 79% of voters are in favor of early voting and 43 states offer in person early voting
options. They state that approval of the State Constitutional Amendments will provide
Connecticut with the opportunity to enact laws and put practices in place to allow voters to
cast their ballot before Election Day.
Anna M. Posniak, Windsor Town Clerk and President, Connecticut Town Clerks
Association: Posniak testified that allowing early voting would create less strain on each of
the various methods of voting because voting would be spread over three months. They
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stated that a legislative task force should be created in order to examine the changes to
statute, procedures, funding and technology upgrades that will be necessary to make early
voting successful. Posniak explained that by modernizing our elections process the voters of
Connecticut will have the greatest access to the ballot.
John Erlingheuser, AARP Connecticut: Erlingheuser explained in their testimony that there
are many flaws within the states election system such as registration impediments, long
lines, lack of early voting opportunities, inadequate facilities, equipment, staff at polling places
and language barriers. These flaws make it more difficult for citizens to vote. Erlingheuser
stated that passing this bill would give voters the opportunity to determine if we should
change our constitution.
The following organizations submitted testimony in support of HJ 59:
(SEIU-CT)
AARP CT
ACLU CT
Bishop John Selders, Co-Founder, Moral Monday CT
Callie Heilmann Co-Director of Bridgeport Generation Now Votes
Catherine John, Lead Organizer, Black and Brown United in Action
Cheri Quickmire, Executive Director, Common Cause Connecticut
Common Cause Connecticut
Connecticut Town Clerks Association
Darryl Brackeen Jr., Chair, Generation Change CT
Every Vote Counts, Yale Chapter
GenerationChangeCT
Gretchen Raffa, Senior Director of Public Policy, Advocacy & Organizing, Planned
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Ingrid Alvarez, Vice President for Police and Strategic Engagement, Hispanic Federation
Jamilah Prince-Stewart, Executive Director, FaithActs for Education
Jan Hochadel, President, American Federation of Teachers Connecticut (AFT-CT)
Jeff Leake, President, Connecticut Education Association
Jewish Community Relations Council
Judy Villa, Resolutions Chair, National Federation of Democratic Women
League of Women Voters of Connecticut
Lori Brown, Executive Director, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
Luther Weeks, Executive Director, CTVotersCount
Make the Road Connecticut
Nancy DiNardo, Chair, Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee
New Haven Rising
Pamela Selders, Founder, CT Black Women
Parenthood of Southern New England, Inc.
Sal Luciano, President, Connecticut AFL-CIO
Southern New England Conference United Church of Christ
Stacey Zimmerman, Service Employees International Union Connecticut State Council
Steering Committee for WOW
Stephen Anderson, President, CSEA SEIU Local 2001
Susan L Yolen, Board Member, PoliticaCT
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Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut
Will Wilder, Fellow, Voting Rights and Elections Program Brennan Center for Justice at NYU
Winston Heimer, Executive Vice President, Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans
Testimony in support of HJ 59 from elected officials in Connecticut:
Luke Bronin, Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut
Jim Jinks, Town Councilor, Cheshire, Connecticut
Barbara Richardson Crouch, Registrar of Voters, Sprague, Connecticut
Lisa Thomas, Councilwoman, Coventry, Connecticut
The Government Administration and Elections Committee received via email over 400
pieces of testimony in support of HJ 59. They cited reasons similar to those stated in
the aforementioned testimonies. All copies of testimony are available on the
Committee website under Testimony.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Anthony Rinaldi, Resident, Wolcott, Connecticut: Rinaldi testified that they are not
confident that the states major cities are providing adequate election monitoring and
transparency. They explained that the changes implemented due to COVID-19 should be
eliminated as most citizens are capable of voting in person in a safe manner.
Dominic Rapini, Chairman of the Board, Fight Voter Fraud, Inc.: Rapini testified that
allowing early voting would undermine trust and do not fix core issues that currently exist in
our election infrastructure. Rapini stated that early voting could actually decrease turnout
according to studies done by American University and University of Wisconsin in 2008 which
showed that ten states with convenience voting had decreased turnout. Rapini also testified
that early voting would diminish our democracy because they enable citizens to cast their
vote without the proper knowledge of their candidates and their platforms. According to
Rapini, Connecticut must focus on cleaning the states voter rolls and strengthening the
election infrastructure.
Richard Sebastian, Resident, Prospect, Connecticut: Sebastian stated within their
testimony that casting a vote earlier than two weeks prior to election day deprives the voter of
information about the candidate that they may learn as election day approaches.
Arnold L. Goldman, Chairman, Canton Republican Town Committee: Goldman testified
that changing the election laws create space for the perception or reality of improper voting
that would undermine the validity of the election results. They explain that it is the voters
obligation to appear on election day, prove their identity as well as their right to vote.
Loosening the rules regarding elections could invite mischiefs and potentially weaken the
confidence that citizens have in their elections.
Beverly Hanna, Resident, Oxford, Connecticut: Hanna testified that voting is a privilege
and should be held on a single day. They explain that the day should be made a holiday and
if a voter cannot make it, they should then use a secure absentee ballot to cast their vote.
Cherie Juhnke, Resident, Plainville, Connecticut: Juhnke stated that if someone is unable
to vote on Election Day, they should then apply for an absentee ballot. Juhnke testified that
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the state should resume its standard voting practices, doing so safely and keeping the
elections secure.
Mickey LaCrosse, Resident, Shelton, Connecticut: LaCrosse testified that voting days do
not need to be extended. If a voter is aware that they will not be able to vote in person on
Election day, they can then apply for an absentee ballot.
Anne Manusky, President, Connecticut Republican Assembly (CTRA): Manusky testified
that Connecticut has election issues that have still not been remediated over the years; one
being that Connecticut is not in compliance with the Federal Motor-Voter law. They also state
that if someone is unable to vote in person on election day, they can cast their vote by
requesting an absentee ballot.
John and Patricia MacDonald, Residents, Ridgefield, Connecticut: John and Patricia
MacDonald testified that allowing early voting has the capacity to encourage election fraud.
Valerie Gesualdi, Resident, New Canaan, Connecticut: Valerie Gesualdi testified that the
voter rolls need to first be cleaned before considering expanding voter access. They
explained that having one day to vote is plenty of time. They offer the comparison; Bills are
due 1 day a month and we all seem to be able to manage that. Voting doesnt even happen
that often that it should take days to vote.
Albert Tartaglino, Resident, West Hartland, Connecticut: Albert Tartaglino testified that
early voting is not required due to the current provision for absentee balloting.
Helen Whatley, Resident, East Haddam, Connecticut: Helen Whatley testified that Due to
the current provisions that allow voters to apply for an absentee ballot if they are unable to
vote on election day allowing early voting is unnecessary and possibly detrimental to a
secure voting process.
John Koch, Resident, Shelton, Connecticut: John Koch testified that allowing early voting
will further reduce the integrity of the election process. They stated that if the goal is to
increase voter participation, then the state should consider declaring election day a holiday to
make it easier for people to vote in person.
The following organizations submitted testimony in opposition to the resolution
allowing for a constitutional amendment to permit no-excuse absentee voting:
Linda Szynowicz, Founder and CEO, Fight Voter Fraud Inc.
Anne Manusky, President, Connecticut Republican Assembly (CTRA)
Arnold Goldman, Chairman, Canton Republican Town Committee
The Government Administration and Elections Committee received via email over 100
pieces of testimony in opposition to HJ 59. They cited reasons similar to those stated
in the aforementioned testimonies: All copies of testimony are available on the
Committee website under Testimony.
Reported by: Jenna Schwerdtle Date: 3-5-21
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