March 19, 2024

Capitol Update: Radio Interview, River Flow Bill Status, Early Voting

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This is a Capitol update including a recent radio interview, a progress report on my Farmington River legislation, and details of early voting.

Early Voting

Early voting was approved by Connecticut voters in 2022. During the 2023 legislative session, the General Assembly authorized in-person early voting for elections held after April 1, 2024. Under this schedule, the first election utilizing early voting will be the Presidential Preference Primary on April 2, 2024.

The early voting dates for this election have been modified to reflect the Good Friday holiday and Easter Sunday. Early Voting will be held Tuesday, March 26 through Thursday, March 28 and Saturday, March 30.

Under the new law, each town must establish at least one early voting location, approved by the Secretary of the State, which is accessible to voters with physical disabilities. Municipalities with populations of at least 20,000 may offer

additional locations, if approved by their legislative body.

The length of the early voting period depends on the type of election:

▪ 14 days for general elections;

▪ 7 days for most primaries; and

▪ 4 days for special elections and the presidential preference primary.

For all elections, early voting locations must be open from 10am to 6pm. For general elections and most primaries, the locations must be open on the last Tuesday and Thursday of the period from 8am to 8pm.

March 25 – Unaffiliated voters have until noon on March 25 to enroll in a party to be able to vote during early voting.

March 26, 27, 28, 30 – Connecticut will have four days of early voting – March 26, 27, 28 and 30. Hours will be 10am to 6pm. Voters should check with their local town registrar’s office for their town’s early voting location.

April 1 – The deadline to register in person in your city or town is noon on April 1 if you want to vote on April 2. April 1 at noon is the deadline for unaffiliated voters to enroll in a party in person for voting on April 2.

April 2 – Connecticut’s Presidential Preference Primary election will be on April 2. Polls will be open from 6am to 8pm.

MyVote.ct.gov

Wild and Scenic Upper Farmington River

The Environment Committee unanimously approved my proposal for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to take on a more proactive role in controlling the flow of the Farmington River. This clears the path for the legislature to take up the concept. If passed, this legislation will better protect aquatic life and recreation on the federally-designated Wild and Scenic Upper Farmington River. State Senator Lisa Seminara is a close partner in developing and advancing this legislation.

Will Marotti Show

I was recently a guest on WTIC 1080’s Will Marotti Show which you can listen to by clicking on the image below. We discussed illegal migration, prohibiting boys in girls sports, protecting children in schools, and addressing erratic flow issues in the Farmington River.