House Republican Press Release

April 9, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides Seeks to Increase Ballot Access

HARTFORD – Deputy House Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-114) was set today to vote in favor of a Republican amendment which was offered to election legislation that would increase ballot access by broadening the ability of voters to cast their ballot through absentee ballot.

Current law allows for absentee ballots to be cast by registered voters who are unable to appear at the polling places on the day of the election due to absence from their residence, sickness, disability, or the tenets of their religion prohibit secular activity.

The amendment would have eliminated the categories of individuals who can vote by absentee ballot, and allow all individuals to vote by absentee ballot for any reason whatsoever.  The proposal was put forward by House Republicans at the beginning of the session, but majority Democrats on the Government Administration and Elections Committee had refused to take up the measure.

“This amendment would have expanded access to the polls for a great number of people,” said Representative Klarides.  “The measure takes into account the reality that life is hectic, and for those who are busy with work, being parents, or going to school, they can cast their ballot without having to take time out of their day to get to the polls.”

After brief debate, the majority decided to pass temporarily, or hold the bill for later action.

“I hope we are able to bring this bill back before the session ends,” said Klarides.  “We have a real opportunity here to expand ballot access for everyone in the state, something the majority is always talking about.”

The 2008 session of the Connecticut General Assembly is scheduled to conclude at midnight, May 7^th, 2008.