Late on this topic but the proposed constitutional amendment to allow early voting was torpedoed Tuesday by state voters. That means Connecticut’s excuse-only absentee ballot voting continues. Approval by voters would have given the state legislature the power to decide the parameters of early voting and for many voters that was the problem: giving the legislature more power. Many electors were also confused by the question.
More from Greg Hladky, Hartford Courant:
Connecticut is sometimes called The Land of Steady Habits, and voters made it clear Tuesday they didn’t want to change long-established voting procedures by approving a proposed constitutional amendment.
The amendment, which would have paved the way for lawmakers to approve changes such as early voting and “no excuse” absentee ballots, was shot down by 53 percent of the people who voted on the statewide referendum question.
Confusion about exactly what the amendment would do, uncertainty about giving more power over voting rules to the state legislature, and partisan and racial divisions all played a role in the proposal’s defeat, according to political experts.
Full story here.
The amendment, which would have paved the way for lawmakers to approve changes such as early voting and “no excuse” absentee ballots, was shot down. Some people in the legislature were upset this amendment went down to defeat. Why would people want a no excuse absentee ballot? Silly question, can you imagine the absentee ballots coming out of this city if there were no excuse absentee ballots?
I think we should do away with absentee ballots as they are used now. The sick are entitled to vote so let the registrars office respond to the sick and infirm who want to vote. The military and college students would also be eligible. Everyone else would have to get off their lazy asses and go vote in person. Voting is a privilege, not a right.
Andy
Voting is a right given to you by the constitution. What are you talking about?
It can also be taken away.
Bob if you are in jail or prison you cant vote. You cant vote if you are mentally incompetent and there are others
If you’re a Bullheaded, Big-mouth, Schizophrenic Paranoid Psychotic, Oxygen-sucking Midget from the 138th, you just might need an absentee ballot stuffed up your ass once in a while.
Sonny, please take your meds.
Why don’t you come up here and shoot your big mouth off? You have computer balls and that’s it, PUNK. Maybe you should get a job so you could buy yourself a house, that will keep you busy, Punk.
Jim, as usual you contribute nothing to the blog. You got run out of Fairfield and now I can see why. You feel safe being so far away from the 138th? Why don’t you and your absentee ballot pay me a visit?
Interesting article in The Atlantic on this.
What Does the Constitution Actually Say About Voting Rights?
www .theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/08/what-does-the-constitution-actually-say-about-voting-rights/278782/
Actually, I own three homes, one in upstate NY and one in Florida.
Early voting in FL starts 10 days before Election Day and ends the third day before Election Day.
NY ends the third day before Election Day, absentee voting ends the day before Election Day.
Here again Andy, you really know what you’re taking about!
Voting is a right given to you by the constitution, everyone knows this except in the 138th district.
The constitution references voting at least four times but setting up the machinery is left up to the states, that’s why voting laws are different in many states. While the constitution says you have the right to vote, some states say you don’t unless you show proper identification. It’s too bad you can’t prove you own a home in Bridgeport.
Andy, just remember, even duct tape can’t fix stupid, but it can muffle the sound.
Jim, I know you are an expert on the subject. A person only has to read the nonsense you write here and they would agree. Jim, you should be out looking for a house in Bridgeport.
And when you are in jail there are a lot of things you can do like taking a walk. But that doesn’t make taking a walk a privilege. As to mental incompetency, I believe they can vote.
As a matter of fact, I just checked an online registration form and it does not ask if you are mentally incompetent.
Thanks be to God!
You have the right to own/carry guns as guaranteed by the constitution but that right can be restricted or taken away but that doesn’t mean it is not a constitutionally guaranteed right.
This is a loss for Bridgeport. The corrupt Democratic machine already treats absentee ballots as “early voting.” They would not have made any significant gains with true “early voting,” however those who follow the strict guidelines for absentee ballots would have benefited from the passage of “early voting.” This would have leveled the playing field.
I voted no because the ballot question said something like ‘remove restrictions.’ I see nothing restrictive about the current guidelines. In fact, I feel they are overly permissive with identification. I agree with Maria about the Democrat party’s use of absentee ballots as an alternate form of early voting. They have paid staff soliciting door-to-door offering absentee ballot applications and following up to verify you voted. My concern is whatever system resulted would be that preferred by a political machine, not what is most appropriate for increasing voter participation overall.
“Early Voting Rejected At Polls.”
Not really Lennie, you can still get your ass out of bed at 5:00 a.m. and be in line to vote at 6 a.m.
They don’t call you Speedy Gonzalez for nothing.
Voting on Saturday solves a lot of problems but why do Republicans want to limit the time voters can vote, too many people have fought and died for us to vote. Seeing how important voting is, one would think we should have as many people as we can to vote so why not two days.
Early voting in person.
Why do you think Finch was at Central telling people to vote Yes on the question?
They figure if they could steal votes with all the restrictions there are today, changing the law would be a bonanza!!!