Connecticut citizens are set to vote on Tuesday regarding potential changes to voting regulations that could permit mail-in ballots and drop box usage without requiring a valid excuse for not attending a polling place in person. This significant amendment to the state constitution could remove existing restrictions that currently limit absentee voting to individuals who are out of town, sick, disabled, or facing religious challenges to visiting polling locations.

State Representative Matt Blumenthal, a Democrat and co-chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, expressed optimism about the possible amendment, stating it would liberate the state from outdated voting regulations, allowing every eligible voter to participate in elections more conveniently and securely. If a simple majority of voters approve the “no-excuse” voting method, it will then be up to state lawmakers to implement this new system.

Secretary of the State, Stephanie Thomas, also a Democrat, emphasized that if the amendment is approved, it would be a priority for legislators to spend a year developing a comprehensive approach, incorporating not only the new mail-in and drop box voting options but also early voting and in-person voting. Recently, Connecticut voters have already approved constitutional changes that permit early in-person voting, which was first utilized during the March primaries. During the general election, voters enjoyed a period of 14 days for early voting. Voters can choose to mail absentee ballots or deposit them in designated drop boxes available throughout each city and town, or submit them directly to local election offices.

According to figures from the National Conference of State Legislatures, 28 states allow voters to request absentee ballots without needing to provide an excuse. In addition, eight states, along with Washington, D.C., go further by automatically mailing ballots to all registered voters without the need for an individual request.

However, opposition from critics, primarily from Republican representatives, highlights concerns regarding the safeguards of Connecticut’s current absentee ballot system. Specifically, in Bridgeport, the state’s largest city, there have been allegations regarding improper use of absentee ballots during the Democratic mayoral primaries held in both 2019 and 2023. Last year, a judge mandated a rerun of the mayoral election after campaign volunteers were reportedly filmed placing large numbers of other people’s absentee ballots into collection boxes.

Senator Rob Sampson and Representative Gale Mastrofrancesco, both leading Republicans on the Government Administration and Elections Committee, stated that the existing absentee ballot system is flawed. They pointed out that investigations in Bridgeport indicated that illegal manipulation was occurring, on top of which they expressed concern that expanding absentee ballot availability through this measure could exacerbate opportunities for fraud and misuse.

Both legislators are likewise opposed to any proposals that would facilitate the automatic mailing of ballots to eligible voters. In response to concerns, Thomas asserted that states with universal voting access have adopted systems that enhance ballot security and voter protection, suggesting that Connecticut might need to implement new verification measures such as requiring personal details or the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers or driver’s license numbers if the measure is approved.

Patricia Rossi, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut, pointed out that the present absentee voting regulations exclude individuals who may find it difficult to go to the polls on Election Day due to work obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or transportation issues. Coralys Santana, a policy and advocacy strategist for The Connecticut Project Action Fund, a group backing the ballot measure, argued that the easing of voting regulations would benefit citizens across the political spectrum.

“There may be a partisan divide if people allow it,” Santana stated, “but overall, I believe this initiative transcends partisanship and simply aims to provide equal opportunities for everyone to access the ballot box.”