Connecticut voters will once again have to make a decision on whether to expand access to voting with a statewide referendum asking to remove state constitutional barriers and allow for no-fault absentee ballots. If approved, the legislature would establish a process for absentee balloting, a move supported by Democrats in the state.
Following the successful approval of early voting in a 2022 referendum, the turnout for early voting in this year’s election has been strong, indicating public support for increased access to voting. Governor Ned Lamont highlighted the convenience of early voting and the success of no-excuse absentee balloting in other states.
However, Republicans are urging voters to reject the proposal, expressing concerns about election security, particularly in light of recent absentee ballot fraud cases in the state. Despite this, supporters of the change believe that with proper security measures in place, absentee balloting can be safe and secure.
Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas stated that her office would look at security measures used in other states with more widely available absentee ballots to ensure the integrity of the voting process. The hope is that voters will not be confused by the proposal this time around, as was possibly the case in a similar ballot question that was rejected in 2014.
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