By Kathy Kennedy
State Rep., R-119
Kathy Kennedy
What would you do if you had the ability to define the future of our elections in Connecticut? This fall, residents across our state will be tasked with a simple ballot question that would either secure or threaten the integrity of our current statewide elections.
Election integrity has been a topic that has negatively impacted our state’s reputation, most recently in Bridgeport when we witnessed a city employee stuff absentee ballots into a ballot drop-box. Now, with an election around the corner, the majority party wants to expand voting again without taking the necessary steps toward securing our elections.
During the past legislative session, my colleagues and I voted on a resolution that would allow the general public to choose whether they believe we should allow no-excuse absentee voting in future elections. No-excuse absentee ballot voting means that voters can cast an absentee ballot without any excuse of not being present on election day.
Right now, you can only vote by absentee ballot if you have a medical condition, religious obligation, active military service or if a general absence from your town prevents you from appearing on election day. If you’ll be gone on election day, you already have the ability to cast a ballot by absentee, or during one of the new 14 days of early voting that includes weekends.
So is no-excuse absentee voting necessary? Not in Connecticut. Our current election policy reflects an open and accessible system that offers registered voters multiple avenues to confidently make their voices heard.
What is necessary is securing our elections. Sadly, election integrity policy has been muddied by party politics. For example, when my Republican colleagues and I proposed two amendments that would have prevented another Bridgeport incident, folks on the other side of the aisle shot them down. To me, that party-line decision was a prime example of voter disenfranchisement.
Asking about no-excuse absentee voting is the wrong question for Connecticut. Instead, voters should share if they believe that our state needs to take immediate steps toward securing our elections, from eliminating pandemic-era drop boxes to prosecuting election fraud. The good news is that voters have the chance to restore trust and confidence in our elections this fall by voting for the candidates who are committed to fighting for honest elections.
Don’t forget that voting is one of the most important ways for each of us to share our voice, especially on state and local government. I highly encourage everyone to register to vote and cast your ballot either in person on Nov. 5, in person by early voting from Oct. 21 to Nov. 3, or by absentee ballot which can be requested from your town hall.
As always, never hesitate to contact me at any time with questions about voting or our election process by emailing Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or by calling 860-240-8700. As we approach election day, stay updated on important information by subscribing to my email newsletter at RepKennedy.com.