The Connecticut General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee voted today in favor of Senate Bill 1226, An Act Concerning State Voting Rights in Recognition of John R. Lewis, also known as the Connecticut Voting Rights Act (CTVRA). The final vote was 35 to 1.

After clearing both the Government Administration and Elections (GAE) and Appropriations committees, this legislation progressed further this year than it has in any previous session. Voting rights advocates are encouraged by the widespread support in the state legislature for this critical equity and justice issue. Following the Senate vote, this bill will progress to the House. 

Common Cause in Connecticut applauds the efforts of the chairs of the GAE, Appropriations, and Judiciary Committees as well as the Legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, which has prioritized voting rights this session.

“We are excited that the CTVRA has cleared these three key committees and heads to the full Senate. With over 40 co-sponsors and the critical support of the Legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, we are very encouraged,” said Cheri Quickmire, Executive Director of Common Cause in Connecticut. “Along with our voting rights allies, we will continue to push until the CTVRA is the law of the land in Connecticut.”

“Next month will mark ten years since the Supreme Court gutted key provisions of the federal Voting Rights Act. In the absence of Congressional action to fix the law, it’s time for Connecticut to lead on protecting voting rights and equal democracy,” said Steven Lance, Policy Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund. “We’re eager to continue working with the General Assembly and Governor Lamont to ensure that the Connecticut Voting Rights Act becomes law this session.”

If passed, S.B. 1226 will be one of the most comprehensive state-level voting rights acts in the country. It builds on successful laws already on the books in New York, California, Washington, Oregon, and Virginia—and efforts are underway now in Maryland and New Jersey. More information about the CTVRA is available here.