Bill > HB07229

This bill aims to improve absentee ballot accessibility for incarcerated individuals in Connecticut Department of Correction facilities by establishing a specialized application process and delivery system. The legislation requires the Secretary of the State to create a unique absentee ballot application form specifically for incarcerated individuals, which must include spaces for all required information and be consecutively numbered. The bill mandates that municipal clerks can only accept applications from incarcerated voters that list a Department of Correction facility address, and requires the clerks to maintain a detailed log of these applications, tracking each applicant's name, address, application receipt date, and ballot mailing status. If an incarcerated voter is transferred between correction facilities, the Commissioner of Correction must ensure the absentee voting set is delivered to the individual. The bill also clarifies that incarcerated individuals whose voting rights have not been denied are considered absent from their home town for voting purposes, even if they are physically located in a correction facility within that town. These changes are designed to make the absentee voting process more streamlined and accessible for eligible voters in state custody, with the provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

Government Administration and Elections Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07229&which_year=2025