The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received October 15, 2022.
“Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?”
This question is on our ballot on November 8, 2022. It was defeated by Connecticut voters when it was put on the ballot in 2014. This year the proposal is so loosely written that it would give unlimited power to a simple majority of Connecticut legislators as to how the voting would take place and the length of time early voting would be allowed.
If the early voting question is approved, the legislature could vote to require in-person voting and voter ID as on the regular voting day, which reduces the risk of voter fraud. On the other hand, the legislature could allow early voting to take place by the distribution of ballots in a way that requires nothing but a signature to validate the voter’s legitimacy. This is an open invitation to voter fraud, which would be almost impossible to prevent or prosecute.
Even assuming the legislature would enact a measure requiring in-person voting and voter ID, the town would need to set up voting stations staffed by qualified officials over whatever period deemed appropriate by the legislature. This would be another unfunded mandate on the taxpayers in our towns.
Vote NO on early voting!
Edward Munster, Haddam
