Editorial: Making Sure Your Vote Matters

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Election season is one of my favorite times of year, even before I became a state representative. It’s one of the most important times for voters to exercise their democratic rights and share their voices in hopes of improving their government. Sadly, after allegations of election fraud surfaced in Bridgeport recently, many of us are now wondering: do our votes even matter?

Last month, the General Assembly convened to make changes to certain election-related legislation. Frustrated by the Bridgeport ballot box blunder, I joined my Republican colleagues in proposing three amendments that serve as deterrents for any potential election fraud across our state.

Our first amendment proposed eliminating statewide use of absentee ballot drop boxes, which were introduced in 2020 in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 (LCO 10321). While these boxes may have been necessary to encourage voter participation during the pandemic, the reality is that the pandemic is over. It’s time to end these emergency protocols and salvage our election reputation by returning to pre-pandemic voting practices.

Second, we proposed requiring a mandatory minimum 1-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of a criminal election violation (LCO 10328). By enacting a designated penalty for election violations, our state can criminalize these violations and strongly deter potential malfeasance. However, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refused to vote on this amendment, killing it and leaving more room for future fraudulent activity.

Third, we attempted to pass an amendment authorizing the designated elections monitor in Bridgeport to ban the use of absentee drop boxes in the city (LCO 10335). This would allow the designated elections monitor, which was initially appointed because of Bridgeport’s corrupt election history, to ban drop boxes immediately. Once again, the majority party voted against this stable solution to combating election violations which to me, is a missed opportunity.

Unfortunately, all our Republican amendments were either voted down or not considered for a vote that day. But I am not surprised. As one legislator said last session during an Appropriations Meeting on April 18th, 2023, “normally Republican amendments that come up immediately get voted on…and are voted down.”

The Takeaway: Election integrity should be a bipartisan issue. I am thankful for the hardworking local Registrars of Voters and Town Clerks for keeping our elections secure. Don’t forget to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7th, because your vote does matter.

Please never hesitate to reach out to me about this, or any state issue at Lezlye.Zupkus@housegop.ct.gov or at 860-240-8700 with your questions, ideas, and concerns.