Connecticut Early Voting Amendment (2014)
| Early Voting Amendment | |
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| Type: | Constitutional amendment |
| Referred by: | Connecticut State Legislature |
| Topic: | Elections |
| Status: | On the ballot |
Contents |
Support
The amendment was sponsored in the legislature by Rep. J. Brendan Sharkey (D-88). The measure was passed in the state legislature along party lines, with Democrats supporting the effort.[2]
Arguments
- Sen. Anthony Musto (D-22) said, "This bill will allow voters to remove the obstructions preventing early and no-excuse absentee ballot voting, ensuring that all of Connecticut’s voices are heard."[1]
- Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) said, "Voting is a great responsibility and this amendment assures the voting rights of every Connecticut resident whether or not they can get to the polls on Election Day. While some states are working to suppress voter turnout, we are working to encourage greater turnout by increasing penalties on any effort to block voter access and moving our electoral system into the 21st Century."[1]
Opposition
The measure was passed in the legislature along party lines, with Republican members opposing the effort.[1]
Path to the ballot
- See also: Amending the Connecticut Constitution
Connecticut has an either/or system, which means that a proposed amendment must be passed by simple majority in two separate legislative sessions, or by a supermajority vote of 75% during one session. Therefore, it was possible for the proposed measure to appear either the 2012 or 2014 statewide ballot.
On Wednesday, April 4, 2012, the Connecticut House of Representatives voted 97-50 to approve the amendment. This number, however, was shy of the 114 'yes' votes needed to pass the measure onto this year's ballot. This did leave open the possibility of making the ballot in 2014, providing the amendment gained approval in the 2013 session.[3]
The House voted 90-49 in approval of the amendment on April 17, 2013. The Senate then passed the resolution 22-14 on May 8, thereby passing the measure on to voters in the 2014 general election.[1]
See also
Articles
External links
Additional reading
References
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