ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC

The ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC is a non partisan political action committee that will defend and expand civil rights and liberties by building the relationships, public awareness, and narratives that are necessary to build the political power of people directly impacted by the civil rights and liberties issues in our state.

Launched in 2022, the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC was created to be a new, unique resource to empower Connecticut voters with tools to expand and defend civil rights and liberties at the ballot box. The people most affected by civil rights issues are the people closest to solutions but often furthest from the power on the campaign trail. Politicians aren’t prioritizing or listening to people most affected by civil rights and liberties issues, especially Black and Latinx people.

The ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC is here to change that, and politicians can no longer afford to ignore us.

 

If you need information on voting in Connecticut, visit here.

Learn more about the Rise PAC's work

2022: Early Voting & the Gubernatorial Race

In the 2022 election season, the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC conducted voter education and issue advocacy around the contests for secretary of the state and Governor, and the amendment to support early voting.

Group of individuals wearing green Rise PAC sweatshirts

In the 2022 election season, the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC conducted voter education and issue advocacy around the contests for secretary of the state and Governor, and the amendment to support early voting:

  • Early voting: On the 2022 ballot, Connecticut voters were asked the question of whether to allow the option of early voting in our state. When it came to early voting, the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC helped to educate voters about the existence of the ballot question and advocate for people to vote “yes.” Early voting for primary and general elections has been implemented in Connecticut as of January 1, 2024.
  • Secretary of the State: In the Secretary of the State race, we asked candidates where they stand on issues like the early voting ballot question, creating no-excuse absentee voting as an option for everyone, retaining enfranchisement for people who are incarcerated, and more.

  • Governor: In the gubernatorial race, we asked candidates where they stood on reallocating money from policing and prisons and instead putting that money into programs and services that help people. We also asked questions about those policies that could help people: things like where gubernatorial candidates stood on questions of reproductive freedom, LGBTQ rights, health equity, youth services, voting rights, and more. Every question we asked candidates for both Secretary of the State and Governor were grounded in where we see opportunities to reduce systemic racism against Black and Latinx people.

 

Learn more about the work the Rise PAC did in 2022 here.

2024: No-Excuse Absentee Voting

This year, in the 2024 election season, the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC will conduct voter education and issue advocacy around the ballot referendum to support No-Excuse Absentee Voting.

A woman, who is mostly out of frame, is holding a purple sign that says "VOTE "YES" FOR NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING" in white and teal text.

This year, in the 2024 election season, the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC will conduct voter education and issue advocacy around the ballot referendum to support No-Excuse Absentee Voting.

We want Connecticut voters to know that our vote is on the ballot, and in November, we will be asked the question of whether to expand voting access through No-Excuse Absentee Voting.

In Connecticut, voters currently need an “excuse,” such as a disability status or being out of town, to be eligible to receive an absentee ballot. But no one should need an “excuse” to vote in a way that’s accessible and convenient for them. That's why the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC is encouraging voters to vote "YES" on the ballot referendum on November 5th.

To learn more about the ballot referendum, click here.

The ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC will not be endorsing or opposing any candidates for office or political party platforms and will not be providing financial or in-kind contributions to political candidates, political parties, or other PACs.

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.

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