January 11, 2011

REP. BOUKUS AIMS TO INCREASE VOTER PARTICIPATION
“No Excuse” absentee ballot legislation proposed

Rep. Elizabeth “Betty” Boukus (D-Plainville, Bristol, New Britain) has introduced a resolution that would allow registered voters who would like to vote by absentee ballot to receive one, no questions asked.

Currently, registered voters seeking an absentee ballot must provide a valid excuse as to why they cannot vote at their polling location on Election Day. Reasons such as illness, military deployment and travel are considered acceptable under existing law.

“Absentee ballots should be available to any registered voter— no excuses necessary,” Rep. Boukus said. “We want to encourage people to exercise this most important right.”

After meeting with the registrars of voters in her district, Rep Boukus determined that opening the absentee ballot process would encourage more people to vote. Currently, 30 states offer "no-excuse" absentee voting.

According to a League of Women Voters study, “no excuse” absentee ballots would:

• Allow voters to cast their vote when they are able to.
• Allow voters to balance work, family and other interests including their civic duty to vote.
• Decrease barriers, such as time, distance and schedules, to voting.
• Give voters time to understand complicated issues and make informed choices.
• Eliminate problems with ballots being cast in the wrong precinct and reduce provisional ballots.
• Reduce lines on election days and eventually could reduce costs by reducing the number of precincts and precinct workers.

The resolution would begin the process of amending the state Constitution, section seven of article sixth, to eliminate the limited circumstances for which the General Assembly may provide for voting by absentee ballot. The proposal is expected to be raised by the Government Administration and Elections Committee for public hearing and consideration.

Anyone wishing to discuss this issue with Rep. Boukus should call her at 800-842-8267.

Elizabeth "Betty" Boukus is serving her eighth term in the General Assembly. She represents the 22nd District, which includes Plainville and portions of Bristol and New Britain.