SHARE

Darien Ballot Question Would Change Constitution For Early Voting

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- It hasn't gotten as much attention as the hard-fought race for governor this year. But voters across Connecticut will be casting ballots Tuesday on a proposed amendment to the Constitution of Connecticut that could lead to early voting in the Nutmeg State in the future. 

The question, with a simple yes or no option, is on the ballot in every city and town in Connecticut: 

  • Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to remove restrictions concerning absentee ballots and to permit a person to vote without appearing at a polling place on the day of an election? 

The League of Women Voters in Connecticut is supporting a yes vote for the amendment.

Currently, Connecticut’s constitution restricts voters to casting their ballots only on Election Day, and allows absentee ballots only in very limited circumstances, such as illness, disability, absence from the town, or religious prohibitions.

In contrast, 36 states and the District of Columbia now offer voters the opportunity to cast a ballot before Election Day—by absentee ballot without specific reason, by voting in person during an early voting period, or by mail. 

“If the constitutional amendment question on the ballot receives a 'Yes' vote, then our state legislature can consider the voting alternatives most other U.S. residents already enjoy," said Judy Dolphin and Gloria Bent, league co-presidents, in a press release. "If the question fails, then the state is left with its existing one day in person voting and limited absentee ballots.”

If the amendment passes, the General Assembly would have the authority to begin to consider broader access to alternative voting opportunities for Connecticut residents. It would not automatically change the voting rules or add early voting in the state. 

For more information about the ballot question, visit the website of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut at www.lwvct.org

to follow Daily Voice Darien and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE