Connecticut residents have finally been granted the opportunity to vote early in person, marking a major development in the state’s election process. Despite the fact that President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have already secured their party’s nominations, the state has seen a relatively low turnout for early voting. However, state officials remain pleased with the introduction of this new system, noting the lack of major issues thus far.
The implementation of early voting in Connecticut comes after years of attempts to amend the state’s constitution to allow for more flexible voting options. Advocates have long pushed for changes to the rigid election laws that restricted voters to casting ballots on Election Day at their local polling place. Resistance to change has been present in the state known as the “Land of Steady Habits,” particularly from Republicans concerned about voting safeguards and funding for local voting officials.
After a failed attempt to amend the constitution in 2014, Connecticut voters finally approved a constitutional amendment in 2022 with over 60% of the vote. The General Assembly passed legislation last year outlining the details of early voting, which is now being tested ahead of the upcoming presidential primary. Under the new system, voters are checked in the state’s Centralized Voter Registration System to prevent duplicate votes.
Some voters like Marya Ursin have welcomed the early voting option, as it allows them to cast their ballots at a time that fits their busy schedules. Ursin expressed appreciation for the convenience of early voting as opposed to the traditional Election Day rush. Despite some concerns from voters like JoLynn Brochu about the potential for cheating with early voting, others have found it to be a valuable opportunity to avoid long lines and issues on Election Day.
As the final day of early voting approaches in Connecticut, state officials and voters alike are reflecting on the success of the new system. With only a few states remaining that do not offer early, in-person voting, Connecticut has joined the majority of states in expanding access to the voting process. The turnout for early voting in the presidential primary may be low, but it marks a significant step forward in modernizing the state’s election procedures.
