Conn. lawmakers consider universal absentee ballots as response to SAVE Act
Ballot access advocates urged lawmakers Friday to approve a bill that would bring universal absentee ballots to Connecticut.
Lawmakers are considering the bill after voters in 2024 approved eliminating the state’s constitution’s absentee ballot eligibility requirements. Lawmakers still need a new law on absentee ballots before the process can change.
“We need everybody voting, we need to hear everyone’s voice,” Patricia Rossi, a vice president with the Connecticut League of Women Voters chapter, said.
If approved, the bill would open up universal absentee ballots in time for this year’s elections.
Some people want to see more security around ballots and applications, though.
Calliee Heilmann, a cofounder of Bridgeport Generation Now, wants the legislature to bar third-party actors from requesting absentee ballot applications on behalf of voters.
Heilmann’s group has been supportive of expanded access to ballots, but also formed out of concern with ongoing election problems in Bridgeport.
Several campaign workers have been charged with ballot fraud. In some cases, those operatives allegedly helped voters obtain ballots and fill them out themselves.
While operatives are allowed by law to assist with the application, they are typically not permitted to handle the actual ballots.
Bridgeport’s woes drew national attention when Bridgeport Democratic Committee Vice Chairman Wanda Jeter Pataky was seen on video allegedly stuffing ballots into a drop box.
She’s been charged with mishandling ballots in that incident.
Two sitting council members, Maria Pereira and Alfredo Castillo, also face charges.
The legislature has made changes, including requiring cameras to be installed at drop boxes and limiting how many absentee ballot applications an operative is allowed to handle.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas has also proposed barring anyone convicted of election fraud from requesting absentee ballots for 12 years.
The Government Administration and Elections Committee also had a bill on its public hearing agenda Friday that Democrats say is a direct response to President Donald Trump.
Trump continues to push the SAVE Act that would, among other things, require voters to show a photo ID at the polls. Connecticut law does not currently require that.
The bill would also increase requirements to register, mandating that someone show either a passport or a driver’s license and a birth certificate with matching names.
Critics have warned that this would hurt people who have changed their name, including after marriage.
Trump has said the bill is needed to crack down on voter fraud, including keeping noncitizens from voting. Studies have found that it is incredibly rare to begin with.
“The SAVE Act is the functional equivalent of shooting yourself in the face to pop a pimple,” Rep. Matt Blumenthal (D-Stamford) said. “It would be illegal. It would be unconstitutional.
He’s pushing a bill that would reiterate the state’s attorney general’s ability to challenge federal law when it contradicts Connecticut’s election laws.
It would also require federal authorities to give the attorney general and the secretary of state at least 24 hours’ notice before taking enforcement action at a polling place.
The agents, including immigration authorities, would also need a judicial warrant. Blumenthal said the Trump Administration has been trying to intimidate voters.
Sen. Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) said Blumenthal is the one resorting to fear-mongering. He also said no voters should be worried if they’re legally allowed to vote.
“That was one of the most dishonest and disgraceful press conferences I’ve ever witnessed, actually,” he said. “Trying to create a sense of fear and intimidation. There are no reported cases of fear and intimidation.”
The bill would also ban firearms and other weapons from polling places.
Second Amendment advocates argue the proposal is unconstitutional, but supporters say it’s needed to ensure poll workers feel safe.
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