Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2023

CONTACT: press@securedemocracyusa.org

CT Senate Approves 14 Days of Early Voting, No-Excuse Mail Voting as Voters Express Strong Support

Poll shows 72% of voters support robust early voting opportunities


HARTFORD, Conn. - The Connecticut Senate approved a plan to establish up to 14 days of in-person early voting ahead of the 2024 presidential election (H.B. 5004) and a resolution that will allow voters to approve no-excuse absentee voting on their 2024 ballots (H.J. 1) – both following House passage earlier this month. Secure Democracy USA Director of Advocacy Evan Preston released the following statement:

"The Senate’s approval of early in-person voting and no-excuse absentee voting delivers a major victory for Connecticut voters – one that will help make the state's elections accessible and convenient for all. While no-excuse absentee voting heads to the ballot for voter approval next year, we strongly urge Gov. Lamont to sign early in-person voting into law and ensure that it's available – and fully funded – ahead of the 2024 presidential election."

Background on early voting:

  • According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of all voters cast their ballot before Election Day in the 2022 midterm elections, including 61% of Asian American voters, 53% of Hispanic voters, and 48% of Black voters.

  • Connecticut is one of just four states that does not offer pre-Election Day in-person voting options for all voters, along with Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire.

  • According to a new poll released by Secure Democracy USA, 72 percent of Connecticut voters support guaranteeing at least 10 days to cast a ballot early in-person before Election Day, including 87% of Democrats, 54% of Republicans, and 69% of Independents.

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