April 4, 2012
REP. JOHNSON VOTES TO ALLOW "NO-EXCUSE"
ABSENTEE BALLOTING AND EARLY VOTING
State Representative Susan Johnson announced a resolution proposing a state Constitutional Amendment to take the first steps to allow “no-excuse” absentee ballots and early voting was approved today by the state House of Representatives. The legislation passed 97-50.
The Constitutional amendment would eliminate the requirement for electors to vote for legislative and statewide offices solely on Election Day and remove restrictions on absentee voting—allowing registered voters to vote by absentee ballot, without having to provide an excuse, such as being out of town on Election Day.
"Connecticut voters deserve a simple and easy way to cast their ballots just like voters in most other states. Today’s legislation moves us in the right direction by making it easier to vote and participate in our democracy,” said Rep. Johnson.
According to the Office of the Secretary of the State, 35 states that have implemented early voting or no-excuse absentee ballots have experienced higher voter turnout and less pressure on election officials on Election Day.
Rep. Johnson said complications of modern life make it hard for many voters to get to the polls on only one single day. She also noted that it was rare for someone to work close enough to their polling location to easily vote during the work day.
“Things have changed since this was put in the constitution decades ago. People are commuting farther and working longer hours. Amending our state constitution allows us to remove restrictive language and allow more Connecticut residents to have a voice in our electoral process,” said Rep. Johnson.
The resolution sets the foundation for allowing the legislature to add election standards as they deem necessary, particularly relating to the use of absentee ballots and early voting rules.
A resolution to amend the state Constitution must be passed by at least ¾ of the members of the House and Senate in order to go before voters as a ballot initiative in the 2012 election. Since the resolution received approval from less than ¾ of House members it will be taken up again in the 2013 Legislative Session where a simple majority will allow the amendment to appear on the 2014 general election ballot.
Susan Johnson is serving her second term representing Connecticut’s 49th General Assembly District in Windham. She is Vice Chair of the state legislature’s Insurance & Real Estate Committee.