From State Senator Anthony Musto who represents Trumbull and portions of Bridgeport and Monroe:
HARTFORD, CT – Yesterday State Senator Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull) brought before the Senate a historic joint resolution that calls for an amendment to the Connecticut Constitution that will remove restrictions on early voting and the use of absentee ballots. As Co-Chair of the legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee, Senator Musto was responsible for raising this resolution and shepherding it through the legislative process. Now that the resolution has passed both houses of the General Assembly, voters will have an opportunity to vote on the proposed change to our Constitution.
“I am always proud to vote for any bill that strengthens our democracy by allowing more people the chance to embrace their right to vote,” said Senator Musto. “This bill will allow voters to remove the obstructions preventing early and no-excuse absentee ballot voting, ensuring that all of Connecticut’s voices are heard.”
Supporters say the bill will strengthen the democratic process in Connecticut and encourage more citizens to exercise their right to vote. The resolution is part of a comprehensive voter reform package proposed last year by Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill.
Currently Connecticut law limits the use of absentee ballots to those who will be out of town during the hours that polls are open, the sick and disabled, those whose religious tenants prevent them from going to the polls, and election workers who may have to spend the day working at a polling place other than their own. Passage of no-excuse absentee ballots will allow all registered voters in Connecticut to cast their vote by absentee for family obligations, work schedules, or any other reasons they are unable to appear at the polls on Election Day.
At least 32 other states already allow no-excuse absentee voting, according to the Office of the Secretary of the State.
What is Mr. Musto’s opinion on HB-5724? Does he support all the people or just a select few Democrats who are on the payroll? I have emailed and called and I get no answer. No point in calling the other law-breaking political appointed (elected by AB votes for certain, with her relative’s help) rep. But I thought Mr. Musto was educated and fair (silly me) since he represents other towns as well as corrupt ‘Port.
Please answer Mr. Musto–many of us are waiting. And if your answer is no, please explain EXACTLY why you would support such blatant disregard for your constituency for the benefit of a select few political double dippers?
Anyone who just doesn’t want or can’t take half an hour during a 14-hour period to go to the pols and cast their ballot isn’t worthy of special arrangements. The law is fine as it stands and instead of creating a situation where elections will be stolen or purchased, Musto should have called for investigations into the obvious violations that took place in past elections. I always vote early by waking up early and going to the pols. Musto can save some of his campaign funds by taking my address off his mailing list. It would take a miracle to get the two votes from this household.
Lydia Martinez must be doing handstands over this change. Imagine the absentees she will get now. Leave it to the empty suit Musto to sponsor this bill in the name of all lazy bastards who don’t want to come out and vote. Shame on him.
Unlike the early voting systems in other states, this method is an open invitation for abuse and fraud. Of course that would never happen in Bridgeport. Right.
I think the bill and the bill and the press release say a lot about Senator Musto’s misguided priorities.
I am in tears. If only Shank Scinto had lived to see the day.
*** Just wishful thinking but it would be nice if none of the Bpt legislative staff supported this stupid bill, no? *** Payback, No-Balls Musto! ***
Wow! Musto has a voice. Who knew?
Having done a lot of canvassing especially during the last election this is a scary idea unless a complete canvass is done of the voting list. And it should be done by people with no vested interest in B’port elections if this is to be done.
Unless a complete canvass is done, absentee balloting will always be subject especially with the shenanigans of Lydia Martinez such as her well-known ferry boat seminars for seniors voting by absentee.
I miss B’port but it will prepare me for some of the stuff that goes on here … though in AZ it seems to be preventing people from voting.