According to the Associated Press, Connecticut voters have voted to approve an amendment to the Connecticut Constitution, which will permit the legislature to pass a law allowing early voting. With 97 percent of precincts reporting, the Secretary of the State’s office reports the question at 59.09 percent in favor and 40.91 percent opposed, indicating a strong margin of victory for the question. Currently, Connecticut is one of four states that does not have in-person early voting. The following is a reaction from David McGuire, ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC chairperson:
“By embracing early voting, Connecticut voters have taken action for racial justice and sent a strong message that we want the ballot box to be more accessible for all eligible voters. Our state has a long and shameful history of creating barriers to the ballot box that most hurt Black and Latinx voters, but now, Connecticut voters have started to topple those racist hurdles. Voting on Election Day is not easy for everyone, and early voting will strengthen our democracy.
Connecticut voters have done our part for democracy and racial justice, and now the legislature must do the same. Legislators must pass a law this session that not only allows early voting, but does so in the most expansive way possible, including by enabling people to vote on nights and weekends. Expansive early voting is clearly the will of the people, and we will be advocating for legislators to listen.”
Leading up to Election Day, ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC canvassers knocked on more than 1,500 doors throughout the state to educate voters about the early voting ballot question. The civil rights and civil liberties group’s early voting education efforts also included paid advertising on digital, radio, and streaming platforms, as well as in-person and virtual voter education events.
In an ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC poll conducted by Breakthrough Campaigns, the majority (52 percent) of Connecticut voters of color, including 65 percent of Black voters, indicated they would vote early at least sometimes, if they had the option.
In their own words, Connecticut voters of color described why they would vote early if given the option:
- “I work full-time and don't always have the flexibility to be in my town on Election Day and may not qualify for mail in voting, so if I knew that Election Day was going to be very busy and tight on timing, I would choose to vote early to ensure that I voted.”
- “Getting older doesn't always allow the ability to move and get around as easily as when you are younger. Illness would be a determining factor. The ability to obtain transportation would be another.”
- “My work schedule would determine the day I vote. If I have an option to get out to vote earlier and skip the lines, then that would benefit me.”
The ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC is a 527 organization that defends and expands civil rights and liberties by building the necessary relationships, public awareness, public narratives, and pressure felt by politicians in order to build the political power of people directly impacted by civil rights and liberties issues.
Paid for by the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC. This message was made independent of any candidate or political party. Additional information regarding the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC can be found on the SEEC website. Top contributors: American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut, Inc., American Civil Liberties Union, Inc.
