OLR Bill Analysis

sHJ 113

RESOLUTION AMENDING THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW EARLY VOTING.

SUMMARY:

This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to (1) eliminate the requirement for electors to gather on Election Day to elect state officers and (2) remove restrictions on absentee voting.

The ballot designation to be used when the amendment is presented at the general election is: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to authorize voting without appearing in person at a polling place on the day of an election?”

Currently, the state constitution sets the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in specified years as the day of election for legislative and statewide offices (Article 3 § 8 and Article 4 § 1). With one exception, it requires electors to gather at a meeting on this day to elect state officers (Article 4 § 2). The exception is for electors who cast their vote by absentee ballot because they will be out of town, sick, or physically disabled or the tenets of their religion prohibits secular activity on Election Day (Article 6 § 7).

EFFECTIVE DATE: If the resolution passes by at least three-fourths of the membership of each house of the General Assembly, it will be placed on the 2010 general election ballot. If it passes by a majority of the membership of each house but less than three-fourths, it will be referred to the 2011 session of the legislature. If it passes in that session by a majority of each house, it will appear on the 2012 general election ballot. If a majority of those voting in the general election approves the amendment, it will become part of the state constitution.

BACKGROUND

Related Bill

sSJ 43, also favorably reported by the Government Administration and Elections Committee, proposes a constitutional amendment to remove restrictions on absentee voting.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Government Administration and Elections Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute