All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
ConnecticutHB 050012026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT CONCERNING ABSENTEE VOTING FOR ALL AND VARIOUS OTHER REFORMS RELATED TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF ELECTIONS.
Sponsored By: Government Administration and Elections Committee
Signed by Governor
Summary
To (1) remove the statutory restrictions on eligibility for absentee voting, (2) allow municipalities to provide by charter for quadrennial municipal elections, (3) authorize the Secretary of the State to recommend changes to procedures for in-person voter registration of disabled individuals, (4) permit assistant municipal clerks running for municipal clerk to perform their official duties on the day of an election, (5) provide for jointly temporarily relieving the registrars of voters of a municipality, (6) allow for Attorney General involvement in matters relating to subpoenas, warrants, other requests and alleged interference at elections, (7) permit the use of high-speed voting tabulators for recanvasses, (8) replace certain references to the Federal Election Commission with references to the Election Assistance Commission, (9) allow seventeen-year-olds who will attain the age of eighteen by the day of an election to vote early or by absentee at such election, (10) address applicability and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance of party rules filed with the Secretary, (11) provide for electronic ballot delivery and return for certain absentee voters, (12) amend the retrieval requirement for absentee ballots from drop boxes, (13) modify the availability time of primary petitions for certain municipal candidates, (14) amend the reasons for which, and the process by which, municipal clerks may be removed from office, (15) amend deadlines for the submission of municipal election returns and the conduct of post-election audits, (16) implement the recommendations of the risk-limiting audits working group, (17) authorize the State Elections Enforcement Commission to also investigate violations of elections-related regulations and not just violations of elections-related statutes, and (18) repeal a training requirement for registrars of voters.
government administration and elections
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
25 provisions identified: 13 benefits, 1 costs, 11 mixed.
Absentee voting without giving a reason
Eligible Connecticut voters can vote absentee in elections, primaries, and referendums without giving a qualifying reason. They must properly complete and submit an application. Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible referendum voters who will not appear in person can vote absentee without an excuse. Starting that date, absentee voters can also vote on municipal questions submitted at an election.
Voters can fix unsigned absentee envelopes
Voters can fix an unsigned absentee return envelope in person at the municipal clerk’s office. The correction period runs from the first day absentee sets are issued until polls close; no corrections are allowed afterward. Clerks must try to contact affected voters within 24 hours, or immediately during the final 24 hours before polls close. A signed ballot is considered cast when the clerk receives and accepts it under the return rules.
More ballot options for military and overseas
Connecticut voters living or expecting to live or travel outside the United States and District of Columbia before and on voting day can request blank ballots for all offices. Armed-forces members who are registered voters or registration applicants also qualify. Their spouses and dependents qualify only while living where the member is stationed. Qualifying blank, presidential, and overseas ballots must be issued by mail or electronically as requested; electronic issuance also covers applications under section 9-140e. An electronically issued blank ballot requires a completed, signed, returned state certification to count.
Clearer instructions and privacy for absentee voters
Absentee voting sets include a privacy sleeve, a return envelope, and plain-language instructions supplied by the Secretary of the State. The instructions explain how to cancel or change a vote. The Secretary can add voting information, but it cannot promote or oppose a candidate or ballot question.
More voting access for new voters
Beginning July 1, 2026, citizens who turn 18 by election day can vote early or absentee before their birthday. They must otherwise qualify to vote and have applied to register. Starting that date, joining a party during primary early voting does not block absentee voting or in-person voting on primary day.
Voters can request automatic absentee applications
Beginning July 1, 2026, Connecticut voters can ask local registrars to approve automatic delivery of absentee ballot applications. This covers municipal elections, referendums, and applicable primaries where the voter is eligible. Applications are sent as soon as practicable after approval; this does not automatically send ballots. Status ends after a written cancellation, inactive registration, an undeliverable application, or information showing an out-of-state move or registration.
Voters gain online absentee ballot tracking
The Secretary of the State must create ballot-tracking software linked to the statewide voter registration system. Voters can check application receipt and acceptance, ballot mailing and delivery, return delivery, and acceptance, rejection, or needed corrections. Clerks must match unique numbers on applications and return envelopes and keep a public list linking numbers to applicants. Official return envelopes carry a number, barcode, ballot details, handling warnings, and the clerk’s return address.
Conference pay for eligible election officials
Municipalities must pay eligible election officials to attend conferences called by the Secretary of the State on election administration. Pay is $35 per attendance day, for up to two conferences each year. Officials also receive round-trip mileage at a town-set rate of at least 20 cents per mile. An assistant municipal clerk qualifies only when attending in the municipal clerk's absence.
Accessible party rules and local defaults
Beginning October 1, 2026, political parties must make their rules and rule changes comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The law also sets default local rules for minor parties. A minor party's filed state rules apply where it has no town committee and no local rules filed with the town clerk. Those state rules govern the party's enrolled members and candidates in that town.
More local election results get audited
Beginning January 1, 2027, public manual or authorized electronic audits must cover at least 5% of applicable voting districts. Municipal-election audits cover three offices or 20% of ballot offices, whichever is greater. Primary audits cover federally required offices, one additional office if available, and at least 20% of ballot offices. Audits run no earlier than day 15 after voting and finish at least two business days before the official canvass. Central counting sites count as districts; districts facing recounts or contests are replaced, officials receive standard local election pay, and results go to UConn for analysis and then the enforcement commission.
More tools for recounts and equipment reviews
Beginning July 1, 2026, tie-related recounts at the Secretary of the State’s office can use different or high-speed counting equipment. Towns can borrow that equipment when the moderator requests it and the Secretary approves. The Secretary, enforcement commission, or a court can order voting machines kept locked beyond the usual period. The Secretary or a court can also order equipment audits; commission audit orders remain subject to statutory limits.
Recorded drop boxes for absentee ballots
Depositing an absentee ballot in a clerk-designated secure drop box counts as mailing it when state instructions are followed. Beginning July 1, 2025, municipalities must record each box from the first ballot issuance day through the final election-day or primary-day pickup. Recordings must show the location, date, and time. They must become public as soon as practicable, within five days after final pickup, and remain stored for 12 months. The State Elections Enforcement Commission or a court can extend storage.
Stronger state enforcement of voting rights
The State Elections Enforcement Commission can investigate and hold hearings on alleged violations of regulations governing elections, referendums, and covered primaries. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Attorney General can investigate, intervene, or bring civil or administrative actions over protected-rights violations. This authority covers rights-depriving policies and interference or attempted interference through physical obstruction, threats, intimidation, or coercion.
Towns can launch voter participation pilots
Beginning July 1, 2026, Connecticut municipalities can launch pilot programs aimed at 100% voter participation. Programs can include voter outreach, education, and other civic-engagement efforts. Towns must use existing resources; the law provides no new funding. Programs remain subject to state election laws and the state law governing these municipal pilots.
Felony penalties for absentee ballot misconduct
Intentional false statements or another person’s signature on absentee applications or return envelopes can constitute a class D felony. The person must disbelieve the statement or signature and intend to mislead a public servant performing official duties. Beginning July 1, 2026, knowingly tampering with, destroying, altering, or unlawfully taking a designated drop box is a class D felony. Specified ballot destruction, alteration, and fraudulent additions also carry class D penalties. Ballot-addition offenses require the stated intent to disrupt voting, affect results, or introduce a ballot in a contest proceeding.
Overseas ballots gain safeguards and requirements
Presidential and overseas ballot certifications include a printed-name line and must be signed. A missing certification date does not invalidate the ballot. Return envelopes must display the unique ballot number as text and a barcode. The clerk must receive the ballot by the close of polls on election day.
Separate identification envelopes for absentee voters
Absentee voters must sign the return-envelope statement; an authorized agent can sign for someone unable to write. Clerks must provide a separate addressed envelope when federal law requires identification. Covered federal-election voters who did not supply required identification when registering must place it in that extra envelope. Without the required identification, their ballot is processed provisionally for federal office only.
Deputy registrars need town-funded certification
Deputy registrars must meet the Secretary of the State’s certification requirements. Those taking office on or before July 1, 2026, must finish by July 1, 2028. Later appointees face deadlines tied to their term or first four-year term. Certified deputies must complete at least eight training hours yearly, with remedial measures for falling short. Municipalities must pay certification-program and requirement costs for registrars and deputies; no dollar amount is stated.
Election officials face stronger removal powers
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Attorney General can investigate clerk election-law violations after commission consultation following its investigation. A judge’s removal order after a hearing makes the office vacant upon service, even during an appeal. Beginning January 1, 2027, the Secretary can temporarily relieve registrars or deputies lacking certification or facing an office-related investigation initiated through the Secretary’s commission filing. The official gets a chance to respond, and relief must serve orderly elections. An appointed deputy runs a relieved registrar’s office until certification is resolved or the investigation and final action are complete.
New absentee rules for political campaigns
Unsolicited absentee-application mailings by candidates, parties, political committees, or their agents must identify the payer and explain ballot-return methods. Candidate-committee mailings must also include the candidate’s approval. Prior eligibility explanations and penalty warnings are removed. A limited exception permits candidate or covered-agent presence during ballot completion in the clerk’s office when the clerk or an employee is a candidate or agent.
New petition dates for local candidates
Beginning October 1, 2026, local-office and town-committee petition forms become available the day after the party endorsement deadline. Candidates get the forms from the registrar. Forms for municipal nominations for state senator or representative remain available 77 days before the primary.
Public ballot checks and required recounts
Beginning January 1, 2027, registrars must run publicly observable audits of each state election, with a risk limit no higher than 5%. Audits start at least 15 days after Election Day and finish at least two business days before the official canvass. They cover specified presidential and state offices, plus randomly selected congressional and state legislative races. Random selections include at least one U.S. House race and at least 5% of state legislative offices combined, subject to statutory exceptions. An inconclusive audit requires a hand recount of every ballot for that office. For elections and primaries, the Secretary of the State must order a recount when the victory margin is less than the audit discrepancy multiplied by the number of voting districts in the race. When the Secretary is a candidate for an audited office, the State Elections Enforcement Commission orders a recount if the discrepancy could change that result. Officials must also create ballot records, called manifests, within 72 hours after state election polls close, or within 24 hours after a recanvass ends. The public can watch record creation, which follows state procedures; moderators must immediately send the records to registrars. Municipalities pay participating audit officials at their standard election rate.
Three Connecticut election statutes are repealed
Effective May 15, 2026, the law repeals Connecticut statutes 9-139, 9-159o, and 9-192b. The supplied text does not explain their former requirements, so the specific effects on voters cannot be determined.
Towns get municipal election scheduling options
Beginning January 1, 2027, municipal elections occur every two years, or every four years when the town charter allows. The regular date is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an odd-numbered year. A town can instead choose the first Monday in May of an odd-numbered year. That change requires a three-fourths vote of the municipal legislative body.
Voting equipment checks and paper-list safeguards
Registrars must test voting tabulators before early voting and have other approved systems delivered, tested, and working one hour before opening. The amended readiness requirements no longer list same-day registration sites. Beginning January 1, 2027, planned electronic voter lists require notice at town hall and online 14 days before early voting. Referendum notice is due 14 days before the referendum. Unless the Secretary approves the device, electronic lists must accompany paper checklists rather than replace them.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Government Administration and Elections Committee
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Amy Morrin Bello
Democratic • House
Anne M. Hughes
Democratic • House
Bob Godfrey
Democratic • House
Daniel Gaiewski
Democratic • House
Derek Slap
Democratic • Senate
Derell Wilson
Democratic • House
Dominique Johnson
Democratic • House
Eilish Collins Main
Democratic • House
Farley Santos
Democratic • House
Gary A. Turco
Democratic • House
Geraldo C. Reyes
Democratic • House
Gregory Haddad
Democratic • House
Hector Arzeno
Democratic • House
Hilda E. Santiago
Democratic • House
Hubert D. Delany
Democratic • House
James Sanchez
Democratic • House
Jane M. Garibay
Democratic • House
John Santanella
Democratic • House
Josh Elliott
Democratic • House
Joshua M. Hall
Democratic • House
Juan R. Candelaria
Democratic • House
Julie Kushner
Democratic • Senate
Kate Farrar
Democratic • House
Laurie Sweet
Democratic • House
MD Rahman
Democratic • Senate
Marcus Brown
Democratic • House
Matt Blumenthal
Democratic • House
Moira Rader
Democratic • House
Nick Gauthier
Democratic • House
Patricia Billie Miller
Democratic • Senate
Roland J. Lemar
Democratic • House
Sarah Keitt
Democratic • House
Steven J. Stafstrom
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/17/2026
APP Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 368
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 366
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 363
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
House Roll Call Vote 90 HOUSE AMD C
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 364
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
House Roll Call Vote 89 HOUSE AMD B
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 362
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
House Roll Call Vote 97 AS AMENDED
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
House Roll Call Vote 91 HOUSE AMD D
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-G (Amendment #6: Language on File in GAE Committee)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-F (Amendment #3: Language on File in GAE Committee)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-E (Amendment #5: Language on File in GAE Committee)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-D (Amendment #8: Language on File in GAE Committee)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-C (Amendment #2: Language on File in GAE Committee)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-B (Amendment #4: Language on File in GAE Committee)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-A (Amendment #7: Language on File in GAE Committee)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
GAE Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 370
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 367
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 369
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 365
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Bill Text
Public Act No. 26-42
5/14/2026
File No. 725
4/27/2026
File No. 528
4/9/2026
APP Joint Favorable
3/23/2026
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute
3/23/2026
Raised Bill
3/6/2026
APP Joint Fav. Rpt
APP Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Bill Analysis For File Copy 528
Bill Analysis For File Copy 725
Bill Analysis for HB-5001, as amended by House "A" and "E" (REVISED)
Fiscal Note For File Copy 528
Fiscal Note For File Copy 725
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4402 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4472 (Potential Savings)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4478 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4489 (Reduces Cost In Bill)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4492 (Potential Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4510 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4519 (Savings)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4526 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4533 (Savings)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4551 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4564 (Savings)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4590 (Savings)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4660 (Reduces Cost In Bill)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 5996 (Potential Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6002 (Potential Savings)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6004 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6005 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6007 (Potential Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6011 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6012 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6013 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6014 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6016 (No Fiscal Impact)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6017 (No Fiscal Impact)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6019 (No Fiscal Impact)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6020 (No Fiscal Impact)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6021 (Cost)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6023 (No Fiscal Impact)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6025 (No Fiscal Impact)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6026 (Savings)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6027 (No Fiscal Impact)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6028 (No Fiscal Impact)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6029 (Reduces Cost In Bill)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6030 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6032 (Reduces Cost In Bill)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6203 (Reduces Cost In Bill)
Fiscal Note for HB-5001, As Amended by House "A" (LCO 4526), House "E" (LCO 4660)
GAE Joint Fav. Rpt
GAE Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-A (Amendment #7: Language on File in GAE Committee)
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-B (Amendment #4: Language on File in GAE Committee)
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-C (Amendment #2: Language on File in GAE Committee)
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-D (Amendment #8: Language on File in GAE Committee)
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-E (Amendment #5: Language on File in GAE Committee)
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-F (Amendment #3: Language on File in GAE Committee)
GAE Vote Tally Sheet-G (Amendment #6: Language on File in GAE Committee)
House LCO Amendment #4402 (D)
House LCO Amendment #4478 (R)
House LCO Amendment #4492 (R)
House LCO Amendment #4510 (R)
House LCO Amendment #4533 (R)
House LCO Amendment #4551 (R)
House LCO Amendment #4564 (R)
House LCO Amendment #4590 (R)
House Roll Call Vote 89 HOUSE AMD B
House Roll Call Vote 90 HOUSE AMD C
House Roll Call Vote 91 HOUSE AMD D
House Roll Call Vote 97 AS AMENDED
House Schedule A LCO# 4526 (D)
House Schedule B LCO# 4472 (R)
House Schedule C LCO# 4489 (R)
House Schedule D LCO# 4519 (R)
House Schedule E LCO# 4660 (D)
Senate LCO Amendment #5996 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6011 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6013 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6014 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6016 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6017 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6019 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6020 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6021 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6023 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6025 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6027 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6028 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6029 (R)
Senate LCO Amendment #6032 (R)
Senate Roll Call Vote 362
Senate Roll Call Vote 363
Senate Roll Call Vote 364
Senate Roll Call Vote 365
Senate Roll Call Vote 366
Senate Roll Call Vote 367
Senate Roll Call Vote 368
Senate Roll Call Vote 369
Senate Roll Call Vote 370
Senate Schedule A LCO# 6030 (R)
Senate Schedule B LCO# 6005 (R)
Senate Schedule C LCO# 6203 (R)
Senate Schedule D LCO# 6012 (R)
Senate Schedule E LCO# 6004 (R)
Senate Schedule F LCO# 6007 (R)
Senate Schedule G LCO# 6002 (R)
Senate Schedule H LCO# 6026 (R)
Summary for Public Act No. 26-42
Related Bills
SB 00484, AN ACT CONCERNING DISTRACTED DRIVING AND THE SAFE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IN A HIGHWAY WORK ZONE.
To (1) include the playing of a video on a mobile electronic device that is in full view to the person who is operating the vehicle as a form of distracted driving, and (2) specify that distracted driving in a highway work zone is a violation of the state's reckless driving statute.
SB 00488, AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE TREASURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REVISIONS TO THE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM AND SECOND INJURY FUND.
To make various revisions to the unclaimed property program and Second Injury Fund recommended by the Treasurer.
SB 00475, AN ACT CONCERNING JUDICIAL BRANCH OPERATIONS.
To make various changes to the general statutes (1) governing Judicial Branch operations, processes and procedures, and (2) affecting civil and criminal proceedings.
SB 00444, AN ACT AUTHORIZING CERTAIN MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES TO SERVE ON MUNICIPAL BOARDS OF FINANCE.
To authorize municipal employees to serve on municipal boards of finance if such employees receive less than ten thousand dollars in salary or wages annually.
SB 00400, AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATE COURT OPERATIONS.
To make various changes concerning Probate Court administrative processes, court procedures and the training of Probate Court judges and to repeal provisions relating to the establishment of a working group.
SB 00391, AN ACT CONCERNING THE AVAILABILITY OF BREAST CANCER SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR WOMEN COMMITTED TO THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION.
To provide additional breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment options to women committed to the custody of the Department of Correction.