By MJ Shannon
State Rep., D-117
MJ Shannon
Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy. We are fortunate in Connecticut to have strong systems in place to ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot safely and securely.
But protecting our democracy is not something we can take for granted. It requires ongoing effort to guard against intimidation, interference and barriers to participation.
This session, I’ve been proud to work with colleagues and advocates to advance policies that strengthen voter protections. No one should feel unsafe, pressured or discouraged when exercising their right to vote. Whether it is ensuring clear guidelines at polling places, protecting election workers or reinforcing safeguards against misinformation and interference, this work is about maintaining trust in our democratic process.
At the same time, protecting our elections also means expanding access. One of the most important ways we can do that is by modernizing how people are able to vote. That is why House Democrats have made no-excuse absentee voting a top priority this session through HB 5001.
Connecticut voters took an important step on this issue when they approved a constitutional amendment allowing no-excuse absentee voting in 2024. That ballot question passed, and now it is our responsibility in the legislature to write the law and put it into practice in a way that is thoughtful, secure and accessible.
Voters must currently meet specific criteria to vote absentee. HB 5001 would allow any eligible voter to request an absentee ballot – no excuse required. This is a commonsense update that reflects how people live and work today. Not everyone can easily make it to the polls on Election Day due to work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, health concerns or other commitments. Expanding absentee voting gives people more flexibility while maintaining the integrity of our elections.
As a member of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, I’ve been directly involved in advancing this legislation. I’ve listened to testimony, worked with colleagues and supported efforts to move this bill forward, and I will continue doing everything I can to help get it across the finish line.
It is important to be clear that expanding access and protecting election integrity go hand in hand. Connecticut already has strong safeguards in place to ensure that absentee voting is secure, and those protections will remain. This proposal makes our system more accessible, more equitable and more reflective of the needs of today’s voters.
At the end of the day, our goal should be simple: every eligible voter should be able to participate in our democracy without fear, without barriers and with confidence that their vote will be counted.
I remain committed to this work, both in the legislature and in partnership with our community. Protecting our elections is not about politics; it is about ensuring that every voice is heard.