Today, the Connecticut legislature held a public hearing on the implementation of early voting. Common Cause in Connecticut urges lawmakers and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas to provide voters with at least 14 days of early voting time, including at minimum two weekends and evening options.

“We’re asking the legislature to design an early voting system that meets the needs of all voters,” said Cheri Quickmire, executive director of Common Cause in Connecticut. “The data on early voting is clear: more flexibility for voters of all backgrounds means more participation, and more participation makes for a Connecticut that works for all of us.”

In November 2022, Connecticut voters approved by a strong majority a ballot measure to amend the state Constitution to allow the General Assembly to pass laws to provide for early in person voting. Last month, Secretary Thomas expressed support for 10 days of early voting, including two full weekends and flexible hours.

Connecticut is one of only four states that does not provide early voting options. Early voting allows all hardworking voters to cast a ballot, especially nurses, firefighters, parents, and teachers, who can’t always make it to the polls on Election Day. Early voting has been shown to increase turnout for women voters and voters from marginalized communities who may not be able to vote on Election Day.

Early voting is one of Common Cause in Connecticut’s top priorities for the 2023 legislative session. Testimony submitted for today’s hearing by Michele Jacklin and Alex Knopp, members of Common Cause in Connecticut’s advisory board, is available below.