HB 5001 — AN ACT CONCERNING ABSENTEE VOTING FOR ALL AND VARIOUS OTHER REFORMS RELATED TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF ELECTIONS.

(h) No absentee ballot shall be issued on the day of an election or primary, or after the opening of the polls on the day of a referendum, except in cases involving unforeseen illness or disability [or presidential or overseas ballots] as provided in section 9-150c and presidential or sHB5001overseas /ballots Fileas No.provided in sections 9-158a to 9-158m, inclusive.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 overseas ballots as provided in sections 9-158a to 9-158m, inclusive.

(k) (1) A person shall register with the municipal clerk before distributing five or more absentee ballot applications for an election, primary or referendum, not including applications distributed to such person'simmediatefamily.Suchrequirementshallnotapplytoperson'simmediatefamily.Suchrequirementshallnotapplytoaperson aperson who is the designee of an applicant or to any employee of the Department of Correction who provides the application for absentee ballot form prescribed under subsection (c) of section 9-139a, as amendedPublic byAct thisNo. act, to one or more incarcerated absentee ballot applicants.

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5001 amended by this act, to one or more incarcerated absentee ballot applicants.

(3) Any person who distributes absentee ballot applications shall maintaina list ofthenamesandaddressesofprospective absentee ballot applicants who receive such applications, and shall file such list with sHB5001the /municipal Fileclerk No.prior to the date of the primary, election or referendum for which the applications were so distributed, except that such requirements shall not apply to any employee of the Department of Correction who provides the application for absentee ballot form prescribed under subsection (c) of section 9-139a, as amended by this act, to incarcerated absentee ballot applicants.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 the municipal clerk prior to the date of the primary, election or referendum for which the applications were so distributed, except that such requirements shall not apply to any employee of the Department of Correction who provides the application for absentee ballot form prescribed under subsection (c) of section 9-139a, as amended by this act, to incarcerated absentee ballot applicants.

(1) A written [explanation of the eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot as prescribed in subsection (a) of section 9-135] disclaimer that such mailing was (A) paid for by such committee or agent, and (B) in the case of a candidate committee, approved by the applicable candidate, and (2) a written [warning that votingPublic orAct attemptingNo. to vote by absentee ballot without meeting one or more of such eligibility requirements subjects the elector or applicant to potential civil and criminal penalties] explanation of the various ways an absentee ballot may be returned, as provided in subsection (a) of section 9-140b, as amended by this act.

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5001 voting or attempting to vote by absentee ballot without meeting one or more of such eligibility requirements subjects the elector or applicant to potential civil and criminal penalties] explanation of the various ways an absentee ballot may be returned, as provided in subsection (a) of section 9-140b, as amended by this act.

(n) The State Elections Enforcement Commission, in consultation with the Secretary of the State, shall prepare a summary of the requirements and prohibitions of the absentee voting laws, which shall sHB5001be /posted Fileon No.said agencies' web sites.

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725 be posted on said agencies' web sites.

Each absentee ballot applicant shall sign the form on the [inner] return envelope provided for in section 9-137, as amended by this act, which shall constitute a statement under the penalties of false statement inPublic absenteeAct balloting.No.

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5001 in absentee balloting.

Section 9-140b of the general statutes, as amended by section 88 of public act 26-1, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

sHB5001(a) /An Fileabsentee No.ballot shall be cast at a primary, election or referendum only if:

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 (a) An absentee ballot shall be cast at a primary, election or referendum only if:

(3) [it] such ballot is returned by a designee of an ill or physically disabled ballot applicant, in person, to [said] such clerkPublic notAct laterNo. than the close of the polls on the day of the election, primary or referendum;

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5001 clerk not later than the close of the polls on the day of the election, primary or referendum;

sHB5001(b) /As Fileused No.in this section and section 9-150c, "designee" means (1) a person who is caring for the applicant because of the applicant's illness or physical disability, including, but not limited to, a licensed physician or a registered or practical nurse, (2) a member of the applicant's family, who is designated by an absentee ballot applicant and who consents to such designation, or (3) a police officer, registrar of voters, deputy registrar of voters or assistant registrar of voters in the municipality in which the applicant resides.

725Public sHB5001Act File No.

72526-42 (b)14 As used in this section and section 9-150c, "designee" means (1) a person who is caring for the applicant because of the112 applicant'sSubstitute illnessHouse orBill physicalNo. disability, including, but not limited to, a licensed physician or a registered or practical nurse, (2) a member of the applicant's family, who is designated by an absentee ballot applicant and who consents to such designation, or (3) a police officer, registrar of voters, deputy registrar of voters or assistant registrar of voters in the municipality in which the applicant resides.

5001 (c) (1) For purposes of this section, "mailed" means (A) sent by the United States Postal Service or any commercial carrier, courier or messenger service recognized and approved by the Secretary of the State, or (B) deposited in a secure drop box designated by the municipal clerk for such purpose, in accordance with instructions prescribed by the Secretary.

Each such recording shall, as soon as practicable, be made publicly available from the date of recording, but in no case later sHB5001than /five Filedays No.after such last retrieval.

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725 than five days after such last retrieval.

(3)Public TheAct SecretaryNo. of the State may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, concerning the use of secure drop boxes for the deposit of absentee ballots, including, but not limited to, the placement and positioning of any such drop box and the video recording of any such drop box and retention of any such recording.

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5001 (3) The Secretary of the State may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, concerning the use of secure drop boxes for the deposit of absentee ballots, including, but not limited to, the placement and positioning of any such drop box and the video recording of any such drop box and retention of any such recording.

Section 9-140c of the general statutes is repealed and the sHB5001following /is Filesubstituted No.in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

725(a) sHB5001(1) FileThe municipal clerk shall retain the return envelopes containing absentee ballots received by [him] such clerk under section 9-140b, as amended by this act, and shall not open such return Public Act No.

72526-42 following16 isof substituted112 inSubstitute lieuHouse thereofBill (EffectiveNo. from passage):

(a)5001 (1) The municipal clerk shall retain the return envelopes containing absentee ballots received by [him] such clerk under section 9-140b, as amended by this act, and shall not open such return envelopes.

sHB5001(3) /(A) FileIf the municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot without the Public Act No.

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7255001 (3) (A) If the municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot without the statement on the return envelope signed by the applicant, such absentee ballot may be cured in person at the municipal clerk's office beginning on the first day of issuance of absentee voting sets, as provided in subsection(f)ofsection9-140,asamended by thisact,anduntiltheclose ofthepollsontheday oftheelection,primaryorreferendum.Aftersuch close of the polls, no such absentee ballot may be cured.

On any such day, beginning as soon as the ballots have been sorted,Public theAct registrars of voters, without opening the [outer] return envelopes, may check the names of the applicants returning ballots on sHB5001 / File No.

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7255001 sorted, the registrars of voters, without opening the [outer] return envelopes, may check the names of the applicants returning ballots on the official checklist to be used at the election, primary or referendum by indicating "absentee" or "A" preceding each such name and, if unaffiliated electors are authorized under section 9-431 to vote in the primary of either of two parties, the designation of the party in which the applicants are voting preceding each such name.

on the last day before the election, primary or referendum shall be delivered by the municipal clerkPublic toAct theregistrarsNo. [betweenteno'clock a.m.andtwelve o'clock noon] not later than eight o'clock a.m.

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5001 clerk to theregistrars [betweenteno'clock a.m.andtwelve o'clock noon] not later than eight o'clock a.m.

Unless absentee ballots are to be counted in the respective polling places, sHB5001pursuant /to Filesubsection No.(b) of section 9-147a, the municipal clerk shall also deliver to the registrars at this time the duplicate checklist provided for in subsection (b) of this section, for the use of the absentee ballot counters pursuant to subsection (i) of this section.

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725 pursuant to subsection (b) of section 9-147a, the municipal clerk shall also deliver to the registrars at this time the duplicate checklist provided for in subsection (b) of this section, for the use of the absentee ballot counters pursuant to subsection (i) of this section.

on the day of the election, primary or referendum and any ballots received prior to six o'clockPublic p.m.Act No.

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5001 o'clock p.m.

(i) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the absentee sHB5001ballot /counters, Fileupon No.receipt of the ballots delivered by the municipal clerk to the registrars at six o'clock p.m.

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725 ballot counters, upon receipt of the ballots delivered by the municipal clerk to the registrars at six o'clock p.m.

(3) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, the names of applicants whose ballots were delivered at the close of the polls shall be checked by the absentee ballot counters on the official checklists used at the polling places and such official checklists, bearing the certifications required by section 9-307, shall be delivered by the registrarsPublic orAct assistantNo. registrars to the central counting moderator for that purpose.

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5001 registrars or assistant registrars to the central counting moderator for that purpose.

(4) If the name of an applicant returning a ballot has been checked on the official checklist as having voted in person, the absentee ballot sHB5001counters /shall, Filein No.checking the ballots, endorse on the face of the [outer] return envelope the word "rejected" followed by a statement of the reason for rejection, and [the outer] such return envelope shall not be opened [or the ballot] nor shall such ballot be counted.

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725 counters shall, in checking the ballots, endorse on the face of the [outer] return envelope the word "rejected" followed by a statement of the reason for rejection, and [the outer] such return envelope shall not be opened [or the ballot] nor shall such ballot be counted.

(k) The absentee ballot counters shall count, in the manner provided inPublic sectionAct 9-150a,No. as amended by this act, each group of absentee ballots upon receipt from the registrars.

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5001 in section 9-150a, as amended by this act, each group of absentee ballots upon receipt from the registrars.

(NEW) (Effective from passage) The office of the Secretary of the State shall develop and install integrated ballot-tracking software with the state-wide centralized voter registration system described in section 9-50b of the general statutes, for use by electors who vote by absentee sHB5001ballot. / File No.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 ballot.

(1) Is removed from the official registry list of the municipality, (2) is removed from automatic absenteePublic ballotAct applicationNo. status in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, or (3) requests in writing to the registrar of voters that such elector no longer receive such automatic absentee ballot application status.

(b)26-42 An23 elector approved for automatic absentee ballot application status shall be removed from such status whenever (1) such elector's absentee ballot application is returned as undeliverable, (2) such elector submits a change of address112 formSubstitute forHouse aBill move outside the state with the National Change of Address System of the United States Postal Service, (3) a registrar of voters of the municipality in which such elector previously resided receives information or data, used to maintain the state-wide centralized voter registration system under section 9-50c of the general statutes, that such elector has moved outside the state, (4) sHB5001 / File No.

7255001 sHB5001absentee Fileballot No.application status in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, or (3) requests in writing to the registrar of voters that such elector no longer receive such automatic absentee ballot application status.

725(b) An elector approved for automatic absentee ballot application status shall be removed from such status whenever (1) such elector's absentee ballot application is returned as undeliverable, (2) such elector submits a change of address form for a move outside the state with the National Change of Address System of the United States Postal Service, (3) a registrar of voters of the municipality in which such elector previously resided receives information or data, used to maintain the state-wide centralized voter registration system under section 9-50c of the general statutes, that such elector has moved outside the state, (4) the Secretary of the State or a registrar of voters of the municipality in which such elector previously resided receives information under section 9-21 of the general statutes that such elector has registered to vote outside the state, or (5) such elector's name is placed on the inactive registry list compiled under section 9-35 of the general statutes.

Section 9-150a of the general statutes, as amended by section 90 of public act 26-1, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

[at the times designated by the registrars of voters.] (b) At the time each group of ballots is delivered to them pursuant to section 9-140c, as amended by this act, the counters shall perform any checking of such ballots required by subsection (i) of said section and shallPublic thenAct proceedNo. as hereinafter provided.

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5001 shall then proceed as hereinafter provided.

[, and such inner envelope shall be replaced in the opened outer envelope which shall be marked "Rejected" and the reason therefor endorsed thereon by the counters.] The return envelope shall sHB5001bemarked /"Rejected"andthereasonfor Filesuch No.rejection shallbeendorsed on such return envelope by the counters.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 bemarked "Rejected"andthereasonfor such rejection shallbeendorsed on such return envelope by the counters.

(2) (A) If such statement is signed but the individual completing the ballot is an individual described in subsection (a) of section 9-23r and has not met the requirements of subsection (e) of section 9-23r, as amended by this act, the counters shall replace the ballot in the opened [inner envelope, replace the inner envelope in the opened outer] return envelope and shall mark "Rejected as an Absentee Ballot" and endorse thePublic reasonAct forNo. such rejection on [the outer] such return envelope, and the ballot shall be treated as a provisional ballot for federal offices only, pursuant to sections 9-232i to 9-232o, inclusive.

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5001 the reason for such rejection on [the outer] such return envelope, and the ballot shall be treated as a provisional ballot for federal offices only, pursuant to sections 9-232i to 9-232o, inclusive.

[(e) The counters shall then remove the absentee ballots from the remaining inner envelopes.] [(f)] (e) Before the ballots are counted, all opened [outer and inner] envelopes from which such ballots have been removed, and all [outer] envelopes marked "Rejected" as required by law, shall be placed and sealed by the counters, separately by voting district, in depository envelopes prescribed by the Secretary of the State and provided by the sHB5001municipal /clerk. File No.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 municipal clerk.

[(i)]Public (h)Act (1)No. Except as otherwise provided inthis section the provisions of section 9-265 shall apply to write-in votes on absentee ballots at elections.

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5001 [(i)] (h) (1) Except as otherwise provided inthis section the provisions of section 9-265 shall apply to write-in votes on absentee ballots at elections.

[(j)] (i) In the counting of absentee ballots the intent of the voter shall sHB5001govern, /provided Filethe No.following conclusive presumptions, where applicable, shall prevail in determining such intent:

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 govern, provided the following conclusive presumptions, where applicable, shall prevail in determining such intent:

(3) On an absentee ballot on which candidates' names are printed, a vote shall be deemed cast only for each candidate whose name is individually checked or validly writtenin,except asotherwise provided inthissubsection.IfPublic aAct partyNo. designationiscircled,checked,underscored or similarly marked in any manner, or written in, no vote shall be deemed cast or cancelled for any candidate by virtue of such marking or writing.

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5001 inthissubsection.If a party designationiscircled,checked,underscored or similarly marked in any manner, or written in, no vote shall be deemed cast or cancelled for any candidate by virtue of such marking or writing.

[(m)] (l) After the absentee ballots have been so counted they shall be placed by the counters, separately by voting district, in depository envelopes prescribed by the Secretary of the State and provided by the sHB5001municipal /clerk. File No.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 municipal clerk.

Sec.11.Subsections(e)to(i),inclusive,ofsection9-150bofthegeneralPublic statutesAct areNo. repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

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5001 Sec.11.Subsections(e)to(i),inclusive,ofsection9-150bofthegeneral statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(h) For sixty days after the election, primary or referendum the sHB5001following /shall Filebe No.preserved by the municipal clerk as a public record open to public inspection:

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 following shall be preserved by the municipal clerk as a public record open to public inspection:

(3) the [numerical] list of unique ballot identification numbers corresponding to absentee voting sets issued as requiredPublic byAct subsectionNo. (e) of section 9-140, as amended by this act;

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5001 required by subsection (e) of section 9-140, as amended by this act;

If such applicant fails to file such a statement, no additional set shall be issued to such sHB5001applicant. / File No.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 applicant.

(b)Public ForAct allNo. absentee voting sets or portions thereof returned under subsection(a)ofthissection,themunicipalclerkshallmarkthe [serially- numbered outer] return envelope "rejected" and note the reasons for rejection on all absentee ballots and envelopes so returned and shall seal all such absentee voting sets or portions thereof in a package and retain them in a safe place until delivered in accordance with section 9-140c, as amended by this act.

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5001 (b) For all absentee voting sets or portions thereof returned under subsection(a)ofthissection,themunicipalclerkshallmarkthe [serially- numbered outer] return envelope "rejected" and note the reasons for rejection on all absentee ballots and envelopes so returned and shall seal all such absentee voting sets or portions thereof in a package and retain them in a safe place until delivered in accordance with section 9-140c, as amended by this act.

(a) If a municipal clerk has omitted the name of a candidate, party or office designation, inserted an incorrect or misspelled name of a candidate, party or office designation, provided an absentee ballot applicant with a ballot which is not the correct ballot for [his] such applicant's voting district, or incorrectly imprinted or failed to imprint the designation of a state or local question on an absentee ballot in the sHB5001appropriate /space, Fileand if any such omission or error is likely to mislead any voter, [he] the clerk shall, as soon as [he] such clerk becomes aware of such omission or error, promptly mail to each applicant to whom such an absentee ballot has been issued, a correct absentee ballot, the Public Act No.

72526-42 sHB500131 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 appropriate space, and if any such omission or error is likely to mislead any voter, [he] the clerk shall, as soon as [he] such clerk becomes aware of such omission or error, promptly mail to each applicant to whom such an absentee ballot has been issued, a correct absentee ballot, the necessary envelopes for its return and instructions, a statement explaining the error or omission including the correct name or question anda copy ofthissection.The municipalclerk shallinformtheSecretary of the State when [he] such clerk proceeds under this subsection.

Section 9-153e of the general statutes is repealed and the sHB5001following /is Filesubstituted No.in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

725Public sHB5001Act File No.

72526-42 following32 isof substituted112 inSubstitute lieuHouse thereofBill (EffectiveNo. from passage):

5001 A member of the armed forces who is an elector or an applicant for admission as an elector, or the member's spouse or dependent if living where suchmember is stationed,may apply before aregular electionfor a blank absentee ballot to vote for all offices being contested at the election.

If the military contingency no longer exists, application for an additional ballot for all offices may be made pursuant sHB5001Public /Act File No.

72526-42 sHB500133 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 to the provisions of section 9-153b, as amended by this act.

The municipal clerk receiving such an application shall, as soon as a complete list of candidates and questions to be voted upon at such election or primary becomes available, issue [the ballot]inthemanner requestedby theelector, either by mail or by electronic means, [as requested by the elector,] the ballot which shall betheblankbethe blank ballot prescribedandprovidedby theSecretary of the State under section 9-153e, as amended by this act.

[If application for an absentee ballot is made at the time of availability of regularPublic absenteeAct ballots as provided in section 9-140, the provisions of section 9-140 shall prevail.] Except as otherwise provided inthis section, the procedures governing the issuance of ballots under this section shall sHB5001 / File No.

72526-42 sHB500134 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 regular absentee ballots as provided in section 9-140, the provisions of section 9-140 shall prevail.] Except as otherwise provided inthis section, the procedures governing the issuance of ballots under this section shall conform as nearly as may be to the procedures provided in section 9- 140, as amended by this act.

(b) Upon receipt of an application for an overseas ballot, the municipal clerk, if satisfied that the application is proper and that the applicant is qualified to vote at the federal election for which the application is made, pursuant to the provisions of sections 9-158b to 9- 158m,Public inclusive,Act shallNo. forthwith [mail] issue in the manner requested by the applicant, either by mail or by electronic means, a ballot containing the names and offices of the candidates for federal office and instructions and envelopes for [its return to the applicant] the return of such ballot.

sHB500126-42 /35 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 sHB5001158m, Fileinclusive, No.shall forthwith [mail] issue in the manner requested by the applicant, either by mail or by electronic means, a ballot containing the names and offices of the candidates for federal office and instructions and envelopes for [its return to the applicant] the return of such ballot.

725 Sec.

(Signature of voter) ....Public Act No.

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5001 ....

sHB5001The /failure Fileof No.the elector to date the statement shall not invalidate the ballot.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 The failure of the elector to date the statement shall not invalidate the ballot.

The voter shallsignthecertificationuponthe [inner]return envelope, [securelyPublic sealAct it,No. enclose it in an outer serially-numbered envelope] insert the completed ballot in such return envelope, which shall bear a return label displaying the unique ballot identification number both in text format and as a scannable barcode, and return it to the municipal clerk of the town in which [he] such voter is qualified to vote.

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5001 [securely seal it, enclose it in an outer serially-numbered envelope] insert the completed ballot in such return envelope, which shall bear a return label displaying the unique ballot identification number both in text format and as a scannable barcode, and return it to the municipal clerk of the town in which [he] such voter is qualified to vote.

If the ballot is returned by a person other than the voter or sHB5001the /United FileStates No.Postal Service, the person delivering the ballot shall sign [his] such person's name and address and indicate the date and time of [its] such ballot's delivery on the [outer] return envelope in the clerk's presence.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 the United States Postal Service, the person delivering the ballot shall sign [his] such person's name and address and indicate the date and time of [its] such ballot's delivery on the [outer] return envelope in the clerk's presence.

The failure of an elector to challenge, pursuant to thissection,theright ofapersonto vote byPublic absenteeAct ballotNo. shall not bar such elector from bringing an action to contest the primary or election under section 9-323, as amended by this act, 9-324, as amended by this act, 9-328, as amended by this act, or 9- 329a, as amended by this act, based on the alleged invalidity of the absentee ballot cast at such primary or election.

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5001 by absentee ballot shall not bar such elector from bringing an action to contest the primary or election under section 9-323, as amended by this act, 9-324, as amended by this act, 9-328, as amended by this act, or 9- 329a, as amended by this act, based on the alleged invalidity of the absentee ballot cast at such primary or election.

(c) Challenges made concerning ballots that the municipal clerk has sHB5001not /deliveredtotheregistrarsofvotersfor Filecounting No.pursuant tosections 9-140c, as amended by this act, and 9-147a shall be made in writing to the municipal clerk.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 not deliveredtotheregistrarsofvotersfor counting pursuant tosections 9-140c, as amended by this act, and 9-147a shall be made in writing to the municipal clerk.

(e) Immediately upon receipt of a challenge, the moderator shall deliverPublic copiesAct oftheNo. challenge to each registrar ofvoters.

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5001 deliver copies ofthe challenge to each registrar ofvoters.

sHB5001(g) /The Fileregistrars No.of voters shall make the determination not earlier than noon of the day of the election, primary or referendum at which the ballot is submitted and not later than the time when the counting of all other absentee ballots at the election, primary or referendum has been completed.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 (g) The registrars of voters shall make the determination not earlier than noon of the day of the election, primary or referendum at which the ballot is submitted and not later than the time when the counting of all other absentee ballots at the election, primary or referendum has been completed.

If the challenge is upheld, the registrars shall mark the word "rejected" on the [serially-numbered outer] return envelope and note the reasons for rejection, and shall return ittogether withallother evidence receivedinconnectionwiththe challenge to the municipal clerk who shall retain the same until delivered in accordance with section 9-140c, as amended by this act, except that a challenge to a ballot which the municipal clerk has delivered to the registrars of voters for counting pursuant to sections 9- 140c, as amended by this act, and 9-147a shall be returned to the moderatorPublic toAct whomNo. the challenge was made.

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5001 moderator to whom the challenge was made.

The ballots shall be returned to the registrars or their designees by the electors in the envelopes provided and in accordance with the provisions of sections 9-137, as sHB5001amended /by Filethis No.act, [9-139] and 9-140a, as amended by this act.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 amended by this act, [9-139] and 9-140a, as amended by this act.

(h) After all ballots have been voted or marked "rejected" in accordance with subsection (g) of this section, the registrars or their designeesshall jointly deliver or mailthemintheenvelopes,whichshall be sealed, to the appropriate town clerk, who shall retain them until deliveredPublic inAct accordanceNo. with section 9-140c, as amended by this act.

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5001 delivered in accordance with section 9-140c, as amended by this act.

Each designee appointed pursuant to this section shall be sworn to the faithful performance of [his] such designee's duties, and theregistrarshallfilea certificateofeachdesignationwithcertificateofeachdesignationwith[his]thetown [his]thetown clerk.

sHB5001(j) /Any Fileregistrar No.of voters who has filed a request that the absentee balloting at an institution be supervised and any registrar required to conduct a supervision of voting under this section, who neglects to perform any of theduties required of [him] such registrar by this section so as to cause any elector to lose [his] such elector's vote shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 (j) Any registrar of voters who has filed a request that the absentee balloting at an institution be supervised and any registrar required to conduct a supervision of voting under this section, who neglects to perform any of theduties required of [him] such registrar by this section so as to cause any elector to lose [his] such elector's vote shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

(k) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, if the spouse or a child of a registrar of voters or a dependent relative residing in the registrar's household is a candidate in the election or primary for which supervised absentee voting is to occur, such registrar shall not supervise such absentee voting but may designate the deputy registrar of voters or an assistant registrar of voters, appointed by the registrar pursuant to sectionPublic 9-192,Act toNo. supervise the absentee voting in [his] such registrar's place.

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5001 section 9-192, to supervise the absentee voting in [his] such registrar's place.

(1) To make investigations on its own initiative or with respect to sHB5001statements /filed Filewith the commission by the Secretary of the State, any town clerk or any registrar of voters or upon written complaint under oath by any individual, with respect to alleged violations of any provision of the general statutes relating to any election or referendum, any primary held pursuant to section 9-423, 9-425 or 9-464 or any primary held pursuant to a special act, or alleged violations of any regulation adopted under any such provision, and to hold hearings when the commission deems necessary to investigate violations of any provisions of the general statutes relating to any such election, primary or referendum, or violations of any regulation adopted under any such provisions, and for the purpose of such hearings the commission may administer oaths, examine witnesses and receive oral and documentary evidence, and shall have the power to subpoena witnesses under Public Act No.

72526-42 sHB500143 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 statements filed with the commission by the Secretary of the State, any town clerk or any registrar of voters or upon written complaint under oath by any individual, with respect to alleged violations of any provision of the general statutes relating to any election or referendum, any primary held pursuant to section 9-423, 9-425 or 9-464 or any primary held pursuant to a special act, or alleged violations of any regulation adopted under any such provision, and to hold hearings when the commission deems necessary to investigate violations of any provisions of the general statutes relating to any such election, primary or referendum, or violations of any regulation adopted under any such provisions, and for the purpose of such hearings the commission may administer oaths, examine witnesses and receive oral and documentary evidence, and shall have the power to subpoena witnesses under proceduralrulesthecommissionshalladopt,to compeltheir attendance and to require the production for examination of any books and papers whichthecommissiondeemsrelevanttoanymatterunderinvestigation or in question.

In case of a refusal to comply with any subpoena issued pursuant to this subsection or to testify with respect to any matter upon which that person may be sHB5001lawfully /interrogated, Filethe No.superior court for the judicial district of Hartford, on application of the commission, may issue an order requiring such person to comply with such subpoena and to testify;

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 lawfully interrogated, the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford, on application of the commission, may issue an order requiring such person to comply with such subpoena and to testify;

Subsection (e) of section 9-23r of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):Public Act No.

26-42 44 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 passage):

(a) A person is guilty of false statement in absentee balloting when [he] such person intentionally makes a false written statement in or on, sHB5001or /signs Filethe No.name of another person to, the application for an absentee ballot or the [inner] return envelope accompanying any such ballot, which [he] such person does not believe to be true and which statement or signature is intended to mislead a public servant in the performance of [his] such public servant's official function.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 or signs the name of another person to, the application for an absentee ballot or the [inner] return envelope accompanying any such ballot, which [he] such person does not believe to be true and which statement or signature is intended to mislead a public servant in the performance of [his] such public servant's official function.

Subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of sectionPublic 9-369bAct ofNo. the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

26-42 45 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 section 9-369b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) The electors of the municipality [entitled to vote] voting by sHB5001absentee /ballot Fileat No.the election under the provisions of section 9-135, as amended by this act, [shall be entitled to] may vote upon any such question.

725(b) sHB5001When Filethe clerk of the municipality determines that the necessary action has been taken for submission of the question, [he] the clerk shall, Public Act No.

72526-42 absentee46 ballot at the election under the provisions of section112 9-135,Substitute asHouse amendedBill byNo. this act, [shall be entitled to] may vote upon any such question.

(b)5001 When the clerk of the municipality determines that the necessary action has been taken for submission of the question, [he] the clerk shall, at least forty-five days prior to the election, file in the office of the Secretary of the State a statement setting forth the designation of the question as it is to appear on the ballot at the election, the date upon which the submitting action was taken and the reference to the law under which the action was taken.

Subsection (b) of section 9-369c of the general statutes is sHB5001repealed /and Filethe No.following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

725(b) sHB5001At Fileany such referendum, any person who [would be] is eligible to Public Act No.

72526-42 repealed47 andof the112 followingSubstitute isHouse substitutedBill inNo. lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

(b)5001 At any such referendum, any person who [would be] is eligible to vote on the question or proposal [if he appeared in person and is unable to] and who will not appear in person [for one or more of the reasons set forth in section 9-135,] may cast [his] such person's vote by absentee ballot, in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(b) Except during the period between the last session for the sHB5001admission /of Fileelectors prior to an election and the day following that election, either registrar of voters, or a deputy registrar or assistant Public Act No.

72526-42 sHB500148 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 admission of electors prior to an election and the day following that election, either registrar of voters, or a deputy registrar or assistant registrar appointed in accordance with the provisions of section 9-192 may examine the qualifications of any person applying to be admitted as an elector in the town and, except for applications submitted pursuant to subdivision (4) of this subsection, approve such application submitted inperson(1) at theoffice ofsuchofficial;(2)at any enrollment session of the registrars of voters;

Section 9-258 of the general statutes is repealed and the sHB5001Public /Act File No.

72526-42 sHB500149 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2027):

[Head moderators, central counting moderators and absentee ballot counters appointed pursuant to law shall also be deemed election officials.] (b)(1)ForPublic municipalitieswithonevotingAct district,theelectionofficials of such polling place shall be electors of the state and shall consist of sHB5001 / File No.

72526-42 sHB500150 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 (b)(1)For municipalitieswithonevoting district,theelectionofficials of such polling place shall be electors of the state and shall consist of [(1)] (A) one moderator, [(2)] (B) at least one but not more than two official checkers, [(3)] (C) at least one but not more than two voting tabulator tenders for each voting tabulator in use at the polling place, and [(4)] (D) at least one but not more than two ballot clerks.

[Head moderators, central counting moderators and absentee ballot counters appointed pursuantPublic toAct lawNo. shall be deemed to be election officials.] (c) No election official shall perform services for any party or candidate onelection day nor appear at any politicalparty headquarters prior to eight o'clock p.m.

26-42 51 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 pursuant to law shall be deemed to be election officials.] (c) No election official shall perform services for any party or candidate onelection day nor appear at any politicalparty headquarters prior to eight o'clock p.m.

sHB5001Sec. / File No.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 Sec.

If, after suchopportunity,theSecretarydeterminesthatthepublicinterestinthe orderly conduct of elections would be so served, the Secretary may temporarily relieve any such registrar or deputy registrar of his or her duties and, in the case of a registrar so temporarily relieved, require the deputy registrar [of voters] appointed by such registrar to administer the operations of such office until such certification has been attained or maintainedPublic orAct untilNo. the State Elections Enforcement Commission has completed such investigation and taken final action on such matter.

26-42 52 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 maintained or until the State Elections Enforcement Commission has completed such investigation and taken final action on such matter.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) If any municipal official, sHB5001including /any Fileelection No.worker, as defined in section 9-364a of the general statutes, as amended by this act, receives from any private or governmental entity, individual or official a subpoena, warrant or other request for or to inspect any record or recording of or produced at, or any tabulator, ballot box or other device used in the conduct of, any election, primary or referendum, such municipal official shall, not later thanthirty-six hoursafter thereceipt ofsuchsubpoena,warrant or other request, provide a copy of such subpoena, warrant or other request to the offices of the Attorney General and the Secretary of the State.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 including any election worker, as defined in section 9-364a of the general statutes, as amended by this act, receives from any private or governmental entity, individual or official a subpoena, warrant or other request for or to inspect any record or recording of or produced at, or any tabulator, ballot box or other device used in the conduct of, any election, primary or referendum, such municipal official shall, not later thanthirty-six hoursafter thereceipt ofsuchsubpoena,warrant or other request, provide a copy of such subpoena, warrant or other request to the offices of the Attorney General and the Secretary of the State.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) As used in this section, "election worker" means any municipal clerk, assistant municipal clerk, registrar of voters, deputy registrar of voters or election official described insection9-258ofthegeneralstatutes,asamendedbyinsection9-258 ofthegeneralstatutes,asamendedby this act.

(b) The Attorney General may seek preliminary or permanent injunctive, declaratory or other appropriate equitable relief to prevent or redress interference in connection with any election for presidential electors, a senatorinCongressorrepresentative inCongressby bringing a complaint to any judge of the Supreme Court, in which the Attorney GeneralPublic shallAct setNo. out the claimed interference.

26-42 53 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 General shall set out the claimed interference.

Upon receipt of such sHB5001complaint, /such Filejudge No.shall forthwith order any injunctive or declaratory relief necessary to preserve or restore the status quo, including, but not limited to, ordering that an election worker retain custody of any record or recording of or produced at, or any tabulator, ballot box or other device used in the conduct of, such election.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 complaint, such judge shall forthwith order any injunctive or declaratory relief necessary to preserve or restore the status quo, including, but not limited to, ordering that an election worker retain custody of any record or recording of or produced at, or any tabulator, ballot box or other device used in the conduct of, such election.

If sufficient reason is shown,Public suchAct judgesNo. may order permanent injunctive, declaratory or other appropriate equitable relief in connection with the State Elections Enforcement Commission or election worker custody of any record or recording of or produced at, or any tabulator, ballot box or other device used in the conduct of, such election.

26-42 54 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 shown, such judges may order permanent injunctive, declaratory or other appropriate equitable relief in connection with the State Elections Enforcement Commission or election worker custody of any record or recording of or produced at, or any tabulator, ballot box or other device used in the conduct of, such election.

(a) If, within three days after an election, it appears to the moderator that there is a discrepancy in the returns of any voting district, such moderator shall forthwith within said period summon, by written sHB5001notice /delivered Filepersonally, No.the recanvass officials, consisting of at least twocheckersofdifferentpoliticalpartiesandatleasttwoabsenteeballot counters of different political parties who served at such election, and the registrars of voters of the municipality in which the election was held and such other officials as may be required to conduct such recanvass.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 notice delivered personally, the recanvass officials, consisting of at least twocheckersofdifferentpoliticalpartiesandatleasttwoabsenteeballot counters of different political parties who served at such election, and the registrars of voters of the municipality in which the election was held and such other officials as may be required to conduct such recanvass.

Before such recanvass is made, such moderatorPublic shallAct giveNo. notice, in writing, to the chairperson of the town committee of each political party which nominated candidates for the election, and, in the case of a state election, not later than twenty-four hours after a determination is made regarding the need for a recanvass to the Secretary of the State, of the time and place where such recanvass is to be made;

26-42 55 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 moderator shall give notice, in writing, to the chairperson of the town committee of each political party which nominated candidates for the election, and, in the case of a state election, not later than twenty-four hours after a determination is made regarding the need for a recanvass to the Secretary of the State, of the time and place where such recanvass is to be made;

(b) The moderator shall determine the place or places, which may include the office of the Secretary of the State, where the recanvass shall sHB5001be /conducted Fileand, No.if such recanvass is held before the tabulators are boxed and collected in the manner required by section 9-266, the moderator may require that such recanvass of such tabulators be conducted in each place where the tabulators are located, or the moderator may require that such tabulators be removed to one central place where such recanvass shall be conducted.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 be conducted and, if such recanvass is held before the tabulators are boxed and collected in the manner required by section 9-266, the moderator may require that such recanvass of such tabulators be conducted in each place where the tabulators are located, or the moderator may require that such tabulators be removed to one central place where such recanvass shall be conducted.

In the course of the recanvass of the absentee ballot vote the recanvass officials shall check all [outer] return envelopesPublic forAct absenteeNo. ballots [against the inner envelopes for such ballots and] against the registry list to verify postmarks, addresses and registry list markings and also to determine whether the number of envelopes from which absentee ballots have been removed is the same as the number of persons checked as having voted by absentee ballot.

26-42 56 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 envelopes for absentee ballots [against the inner envelopes for such ballots and] against the registry list to verify postmarks, addresses and registry list markings and also to determine whether the number of envelopes from which absentee ballots have been removed is the same as the number of persons checked as having voted by absentee ballot.

The sHB5001write-in /ballots Fileshall No.be replaced in a properly secured sealed package.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 write-in ballots shall be replaced in a properly secured sealed package.

Such return forms containing such statement shall forthwith be filed by the moderatorPublic inAct theNo. office of such clerk.

26-42 57 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 moderator in the office of such clerk.

sHB5001(2) /Each Filepolitical No.party or, in the case of an office subject to recanvass for which there is more than one candidate from a political party, each candidate may appointonerepresentativetocommunicate directly with the moderator during a recanvass.

725(e) sHB5001(1) FileNotwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of this section, a recanvass under this section may be conducted with, instead of the voting tabulator or voting tabulators used at the election, either a different voting tabulator or a high-speed voting tabulator whenever (A) such recanvass is conducted at the office of the Secretary of the State, or (B) such recanvass is conducted in the municipality in which such election was held and both (i) the moderator requests to borrow from the Secretary of the State either a different voting tabulator or a high-speed voting tabulator for such purpose, and Public Act No.

72526-42 (2)58 Each political party or, in the case of an112 officeSubstitute subjectHouse toBill recanvassNo. for which there is more than one candidate from a political party, each candidate may appointonerepresentativetocommunicate directly with the moderator during a recanvass.

(e)5001 (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of this section, a recanvass under this section may be conducted with, instead of the voting tabulator or voting tabulators used at the election, either a different voting tabulator or a high-speed voting tabulator whenever (A) such recanvass is conducted at the office of the Secretary of the State, or (B) such recanvass is conducted in the municipality in which such election was held and both (i) the moderator requests to borrow from the Secretary of the State either a different voting tabulator or a high-speed voting tabulator for such purpose, and (ii) the Secretary agrees to such request.

Forthwith after aregular or special sHB5001election /for Filemunicipal office, or forthwith upon tabulation of the vote for state and district offices by the Secretary of the State, when at any such election the plurality of an elected candidate for an office over the vote for a defeated candidate receiving the next highest number of votes was either (1) less than a vote equivalent to one-half of one per cent of the total number of votes cast for the office but not more than two thousand votes, or (2) less than twenty votes, there shall be a recanvass of the returns of the voting tabulator or voting tabulators and absentee ballots used in such election for such office unless such defeated candidate or defeated candidates, as the case may be, for such office file a written statement waiving this right to such canvass with the Public Act No.

72526-42 sHB500159 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 election for municipal office, or forthwith upon tabulation of the vote for state and district offices by the Secretary of the State, when at any such election the plurality of an elected candidate for an office over the vote for a defeated candidate receiving the next highest number of votes was either (1) less than a vote equivalent to one-half of one per cent of the total number of votes cast for the office but not more than two thousand votes, or (2) less than twenty votes, there shall be a recanvass of the returns of the voting tabulator or voting tabulators and absentee ballots used in such election for such office unless such defeated candidate or defeated candidates, as the case may be, for such office file a written statement waiving this right to such canvass with the municipal clerk in the case of a municipal office, or with the Secretary of the State in the case of a state or district office.

When a sHB5001recanvass /of Filethe No.returns for an office for which there are multiple openings is required by the provisions of this section, the returns for all candidates for all openings for the office shall be recanvassed.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 recanvass of the returns for an office for which there are multiple openings is required by the provisions of this section, the returns for all candidates for all openings for the office shall be recanvassed.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a recanvass under this section may be conducted with, instead ofPublic theAct votingNo. tabulator or voting tabulators used at the election, either a different voting tabulator or a high-speed voting tabulator whenever (A)such recanvassis conductedat theoffice oftheSecretary oftheState, or (B) such recanvass is conducted in the municipality in which such election was held and both (i) the moderator requests to borrow from the Secretary of the State either a different voting tabulator or a high- speed voting tabulator for such purpose, and (ii) the Secretary agrees to such request.

26-42 60 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 of the voting tabulator or voting tabulators used at the election, either a different voting tabulator or a high-speed voting tabulator whenever (A)such recanvassis conductedat theoffice oftheSecretary oftheState, or (B) such recanvass is conducted in the municipality in which such election was held and both (i) the moderator requests to borrow from the Secretary of the State either a different voting tabulator or a high- speed voting tabulator for such purpose, and (ii) the Secretary agrees to such request.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a recanvass under this section may be conducted with, instead of the voting tabulator or voting tabulators used at the election, a different voting tabulator or a high-speed voting tabulator whenever sHB5001(A)such /recanvassis Fileconductedat No.theoffice oftheSecretary oftheState, or (B) such recanvass is conducted in the municipality in which such election was held and both (i) the moderator requests to borrow from the Secretary of the State either a different voting tabulator or a high- speed voting tabulator for such purpose, and (ii) the Secretary agrees to such request.

725Public sHB5001Act File No.

72526-42 (A)such61 recanvassis conductedat theoffice oftheSecretary oftheState, or (B) such recanvass is conducted in the municipality in which such election was held and both (i) the moderator requests to borrow from the Secretary of the112 StateSubstitute eitherHouse aBill differentNo. voting tabulator or a high- speed voting tabulator for such purpose, and (ii) the Secretary agrees to such request.

5001 (2) The Secretary of the State may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) Any citizen who has not yet attained the age of eighteen years but who will have attained the age of sHB5001eighteen /years Fileon No.or before the day of an election, and who is otherwise qualified to be an elector and has applied for admission as an elector, may vote at such election during the period of early voting or by absentee ballot.

725Public sHB5001Act File No.

72526-42 eighteen62 years on or before the day of an112 election,Substitute andHouse whoBill isNo. otherwise qualified to be an elector and has applied for admission as an elector, may vote at such election during the period of early voting or by absentee ballot.

5001 Sec.

In the case of a minor party, the selection of town committee members and delegates to sHB5001conventions /shall Filenot be valid unless at least one copy of the party rules regulating the manner of making such selection has been filed in the Public Act No.

72526-42 sHB500163 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 conventions shall not be valid unless at least one copy of the party rules regulating the manner of making such selection has been filed in the office oftheSecretaryoftheStateatleast sixtydaysbefore suchselection is made.

Subsections (a) and (b) of section 9-409 of the general statutes sHB5001Public /Act File No.

72526-42 sHB500164 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2026):

Whenever [complaint in writing is made to the Attorney General that the town clerk of any town is guilty of misconduct, wilful and material neglect of duty or incompetence in the conduct of such town clerk's office, the Attorney General shall make such investigation of the charges] the State Elections Enforcement Commission consults with the Attorney Generalpursuant to subdivision (7) of subsection (a) of section 9-7b as the result of an investigation made pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 9-7b, as amended by this act, with respect to an alleged violation by a municipal clerk of any provision of the general statutes relating to any election, primary or referendum described in subdivision (1) of said subsection, or of any regulation adopted under any such provision, the Attorney General may make such investigation of the alleged violation as the Attorney General deems proper and shall, ifPublic theAct Attorney General is of the opinion that the evidence obtained warrants such action, prepare a statement in writing of [the charges sHB5001 / File No.

72526-42 sHB500165 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 if the Attorney General is of the opinion that the evidence obtained warrants such action, prepare a statement in writing of [the charges against such town clerk] such municipal clerk's alleged violations, together with a citation in the name of the state, commanding such [town] municipal clerk to appear before a judge of the Superior Court at a date named in the citation and show cause, if any, why such [town] municipal clerk should not be removed from office as provided in this section.

Any witnesses summoned and any officer making service under the provisionsofthissectionshallPublic beallowedAct andpaidbyNo. the state thesame fees as are allowed by law in criminal prosecutions.

26-42 66 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 provisionsofthissectionshall beallowed andpaidby the state thesame fees as are allowed by law in criminal prosecutions.

(NEW) (Effective January 1, 2027) (a) Not earlier than the sHB5001fifteenth /day Fileafter No.any state election and not later than two business days before the canvass of votes by the Secretary of the State, Treasurer andComptroller, commencing onaday designatedby theSecretary,the registrars of voters shall conduct a risk-limiting audit of such election.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 fifteenth day after any state election and not later than two business days before the canvass of votes by the Secretary of the State, Treasurer andComptroller, commencing onaday designatedby theSecretary,the registrars of voters shall conduct a risk-limiting audit of such election.

(b) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the offices subject to a risk-limiting audit pursuant to this section shall be (A) the office of presidential elector, if applicable, (B) all applicable state offices, as defined in section 9-372 of the general statutes, (C) at least one representative in Congress, selected in a random drawing by the Secretary of the State, (D) at least five per cent, in the aggregate, of the offices of state senator and state representative, selected in a random drawing by theSecretary,and(E)anytheSecretary, and(E)any other office requiredto beaudited by federallaw.

(B) If an office of state senator or state representative is subject to recanvass, other than under section 9-311a, as amended by this act, or 9- 311bPublic ofAct theNo. general statutes, as amended by this act, or to an election contest pursuant to any provision of the general statutes, the Secretary of the State shall ensure such office is included in the offices selected under subparagraph (D) of subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(C)26-42 If67 anyof office112 isSubstitute subjectHouse toBill recanvass under section 9-311a, as sHB5001 / File No.

7255001 sHB5001311b Fileof No.the general statutes, as amended by this act, or to an election contest pursuant to any provision of the general statutes, the Secretary of the State shall ensure such office is included in the offices selected under subparagraph (D) of subdivision (1) of this subsection.

725(C) If any office is subject to recanvass under section 9-311a, as amended by this act, or 9-311b of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or if a candidate was elected to an office without opposition by another candidate for such office, the Secretary of the State shall ensure such office is excluded from the offices selected under subdivision (1) of this subsection.

The results of each audit conducted pursuant to this section, including any such audit that produces an outcome of "INCONCLUSIVE" asdescribedas described in subsection (e) of this section, shall be reported on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Secretary.

After receipt of such written report, the Secretary shall transmit a copyofsuchwrittenreporttocopyofsuchwrittenreport to theState ElectionsEnforcement Commission.

(e)Public InAct theNo. event a risk-limiting audit conducted pursuant to this section for a particular office produces an outcome of "INCONCLUSIVE", the Secretary of the State shall order a manual recount of all ballots cast for such office.

(f)26-42 If68 the written report submitted by The University of Connecticut112 underSubstitute subsectionHouse (d)Bill of this section indicates that a voting tabulator failed to record votes accurately and in the manner provided by title 9 sHB5001 / File No.

7255001 sHB5001(e) FileIn No.the event a risk-limiting audit conducted pursuant to this section for a particular office produces an outcome of "INCONCLUSIVE", the Secretary of the State shall order a manual recount of all ballots cast for such office.

725(f) If the written report submitted by The University of Connecticut under subsection (d) of this section indicates that a voting tabulator failed to record votes accurately and in the manner provided by title 9 of the general statutes, the Secretary of the State shall require that the voting tabulator be examined and recertified by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee.

Any report produced by the Secretary as a result of such investigation shall be filed with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, and the commission may initiate such further investigation in accordance with subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 9-7b of the general statutes, as amended by this act, as may be required to determine if any violations of the general statutes concerningPublic electionAct lawNo. have been committed.

26-42 69 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 concerning election law have been committed.

sHB5001(k) /After Filea No.state election, any voting tabulator may be kept locked for a period longer than that prescribed by sections 9-266, 9-310 and 9-447 of the general statutes, if such an extended period is ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Secretary of theState or theState Elections Enforcement Commission.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 (k) After a state election, any voting tabulator may be kept locked for a period longer than that prescribed by sections 9-266, 9-310 and 9-447 of the general statutes, if such an extended period is ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Secretary of theState or theState Elections Enforcement Commission.

(m) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the SecretaryoftheStateshallhavePublic accesstoAct thecodeinanyNo. voting machine whenever any problem is discovered as a result of an audit described in subsection (a) of this section.

26-42 70 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 SecretaryoftheStateshallhave accessto thecodeinany voting machine whenever any problem is discovered as a result of an audit described in subsection (a) of this section.

(2) "Risk limit" means the maximum probability that an audit would produce an outcome of "ACCEPTABLE" when there is a disagreement sHB5001between /the Fileperson No.declared elected and the person who received the greatest number of votes as determined by the paper ballots;

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 between the person declared elected and the person who received the greatest number of votes as determined by the paper ballots;

(a)Public [(1)]Act NotNo. earlier than the fifteenth day after any federal or state [election or] primary or any municipal election or primary and not later than two business days before the canvass of votes by the Secretary of the State, Treasurer and Comptroller, [and (2) not earlier than the fifth day after any municipal election or primary and not later than two business days before the canvass of votes] or by the town clerk, as applicable, the registrars of voters shall conduct a manual audit, or an electronic audit authorized under section 9-320g, as amended by this act, of the votes recorded in not less than five per cent of the voting districts in the state, district or municipality, whichever is applicable.

26-42 71 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 (a) [(1)] Not earlier than the fifteenth day after any federal or state [election or] primary or any municipal election or primary and not later than two business days before the canvass of votes by the Secretary of the State, Treasurer and Comptroller, [and (2) not earlier than the fifth day after any municipal election or primary and not later than two business days before the canvass of votes] or by the town clerk, as applicable, the registrars of voters shall conduct a manual audit, or an electronic audit authorized under section 9-320g, as amended by this act, of the votes recorded in not less than five per cent of the voting districts in the state, district or municipality, whichever is applicable.

Any election official who participates in the sHB5001administration /and Fileconduct No.of an audit pursuant to this section shall be compensated by the municipality at the standard rate of pay established by such municipality for elections or primaries, as the case may be.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 administration and conduct of an audit pursuant to this section shall be compensated by the municipality at the standard rate of pay established by such municipality for elections or primaries, as the case may be.

The offices subject to an audit pursuant to this section shall be, (1) [in the case ofanelectionwhere theoffice ofpresidentialelectorisontheballot, all offices required to be audited by federal law, plus one additional office selected in a random drawing by the Secretary of the State, but in no case less than three offices, (2) in the case of an election where the office of Governor is on the ballot, all offices required to be audited by federal law, plus one additional office selected in a random drawing by the Secretary of the State, but in no case less than three offices, (3)] in the case of a municipal election, three offices or twenty per cent of the number of offices on the ballot, whichever is greater, selected at random by the municipal clerk, and [(4)] (2) in the case of a primary, [election,] allPublic officesAct requiredNo. to be audited by federal law, plus one additional office, if any, but in no event less than twenty per cent of the offices on the ballot, selected in a random drawing by the municipal clerk.

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5001 all offices required to be audited by federal law, plus one additional office, if any, but in no event less than twenty per cent of the offices on the ballot, selected in a random drawing by the municipal clerk.

The results of such manual or electronic tabulation shall be reported on a form prescribed by the Secretary of the State which shall include the total sHB5001number /of Fileballots No.counted, the total votes received by each candidate in question, the total votes received by each candidate in question on ballots that were properly completed by each voter and the total votes received by each candidate in question on ballots that were not properly completed by each voter.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 number of ballots counted, the total votes received by each candidate in question, the total votes received by each candidate in question on ballots that were properly completed by each voter and the total votes received by each candidate in question on ballots that were not properly completed by each voter.

(e) For the purposes ofthis section, a ballot that has not been properly completed will be deemed to be a ballot on which (1) votes have been markedbythevoteroutsidethevotetargets,(2)voteshavebeenmarkedPublic byAct theNo. voter using a manual marking device that cannot be read by the voting tabulator, or (3) in the judgment of the registrars of voters, the voter marked the ballot in such a manner that the voting tabulator may not have read the marks as votes cast.

26-42 73 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 markedbythevoteroutsidethevotetargets,(2)voteshavebeenmarked by the voter using a manual marking device that cannot be read by the voting tabulator, or (3) in the judgment of the registrars of voters, the voter marked the ballot in such a manner that the voting tabulator may not have read the marks as votes cast.

sHB5001(g) /If Filethe No.written report submitted by The University of Connecticut [report described in] under subsection (d) of this section indicates that a voting tabulator failed to record votes accurately and in the manner provided by [the general statutes] this title, the Secretary of the State shall require that the voting tabulator be examined and recertified by the Secretary, [of the State,] or the Secretary's designee.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 (g) If the written report submitted by The University of Connecticut [report described in] under subsection (d) of this section indicates that a voting tabulator failed to record votes accurately and in the manner provided by [the general statutes] this title, the Secretary of the State shall require that the voting tabulator be examined and recertified by the Secretary, [of the State,] or the Secretary's designee.

(i)IftheauditofficialsareunabletoreconcilethemanualorelectronicPublic countAct fromNo. an audit described in subsection (a) of this section with the electronic vote tabulation and discrepancies from the election or primary, the Secretary of the State shall conduct such further investigation of the voting tabulator malfunction as may be necessary for the purpose of reviewing whether or not to decertify the voting tabulator or tabulators in question or to order the voting tabulator to be examined and recertified [pursuant to] in accordance with subsection (g) of this section.

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5001 (i)Iftheauditofficialsareunabletoreconcilethemanualorelectronic count from an audit described in subsection (a) of this section with the electronic vote tabulation and discrepancies from the election or primary, the Secretary of the State shall conduct such further investigation of the voting tabulator malfunction as may be necessary for the purpose of reviewing whether or not to decertify the voting tabulator or tabulators in question or to order the voting tabulator to be examined and recertified [pursuant to] in accordance with subsection (g) of this section.

sHB5001(k) /Nothing Filein No.this section shall be construed to preclude any candidate or elector from seeking additional remedies pursuant to chapter 149.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 (k) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude any candidate or elector from seeking additional remedies pursuant to chapter 149.

[Either the] Such court or the Secretary ofthe State may order an audit of such voting tabulator to be conducted by such persons as the court or the Secretary [of the State] may designate, provided the State Elections Enforcement Commission may order such an audit under the circumstances prescribed in subsection (f) of this section.Public Act No.

26-42 75 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 section.

[, "discrepancy"] (1) "Discrepancy" means any difference in vote totals between tabulator counts from an election or primary and manual or electronic counts from an audit described in subsection (a) of this section in a voting district that exceeds one-half of one per cent of the lesser amount sHB5001of /the Filevote No.totals between such tabulator counts and such manual or electronic counts where such differences cannot be resolved through an accounting of ballots that were not marked properly in accordance with subsection (e) of this section;

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 of the vote totals between such tabulator counts and such manual or electronic counts where such differences cannot be resolved through an accounting of ballots that were not marked properly in accordance with subsection (e) of this section;

and ["electronic"] (4)Public "Electronic"Act meansNo. through the use of equipment described in section 9-320g, as amended by this act.

26-42 76 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 (4) "Electronic" means through the use of equipment described in section 9-320g, as amended by this act.

(d) Immediately after a ballot manifest has been created pursuant to this section, the moderator shall submit such ballot manifest to the sHB5001registrars /of Filevoters. No.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 registrars of voters.

Any elector or candidate who claims that he or she is aggrieved by any ruling of any election official in connection with any election for presidential electors and for a senator in Congress and for representative in Congress or any of them, held in his or her town, or thatPublic thereAct wasNo. a mistake in the count of the votes cast at such election for candidates for such electors, senator in Congress and representative in Congress, or any of them, at any voting district in his or her town, or any candidate for such an office who claims that he or she is aggrieved by a violation of any provision of section 9-355, 9-357 to 9-361, inclusive, 9-364, 9-364a, as amended by this act, or 9-365 in the casting of absentee ballots at such election, may bring his or her complaint to any judge of the Supreme Court, in which he or she shall set out the claimed errors of such election official, the claimed errors in the count or the claimed violations of said sections.

26-42 77 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 that there was a mistake in the count of the votes cast at such election for candidates for such electors, senator in Congress and representative in Congress, or any of them, at any voting district in his or her town, or any candidate for such an office who claims that he or she is aggrieved by a violation of any provision of section 9-355, 9-357 to 9-361, inclusive, 9-364, 9-364a, as amended by this act, or 9-365 in the casting of absentee ballots at such election, may bring his or her complaint to any judge of the Supreme Court, in which he or she shall set out the claimed errors of such election official, the claimed errors in the count or the claimed violations of said sections.

If such complaint is made subsequent to the election, it shall be brought not later than fourteen days after the election or, if such complaint is brought in response to [the manual tabulation of paper ballots authorized] an audit conducted pursuant to section 9-320f, as amended by this act, or section 44 of this act, such complaint shall be brought not later than seven days after the close of any such [manual tabulation] audit, and in either such circumstance, the judge shall forthwith order a hearing to be had upon such complaint, upon a day not more than five or less than three days from the making of such order, and shall cause notice of not less than three or more than five days to be given to any sHB5001candidate /or Filecandidates No.whose election may be affected by the decision upon such hearing, to such election official, to the Secretary of the State, to the State Elections Enforcement Commission and to any other party or parties whom such judge deems proper parties thereto, of the time and place for the hearing upon such complaint.

725Such sHB5001judge, Filewith two other judges of the Supreme Court to be designated by the Chief Court Public Act No.

72526-42 candidate78 or candidates whose election may be affected by the decision upon such hearing, to such election official, to the Secretary of the112 State,Substitute toHouse theBill StateNo. Elections Enforcement Commission and to any other party or parties whom such judge deems proper parties thereto, of the time and place for the hearing upon such complaint.

Such5001 judge, with two other judges of the Supreme Court to be designated by the Chief Court Administrator, shall, on the day fixed for such hearing and without unnecessary delay, proceed to hear the parties.

Any elector or candidate who claims that such elector or candidate is aggrieved by any ruling of any election official in connection with any election for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of the State, State Treasurer,AttorneyGeneral,StateComptrollerorjudgeofprobate,held in such elector's or candidate's town, or that there has been a mistake in the count of the votes cast at such election for candidates for said offices or any of them, at any voting district in such elector's or candidate's town,oranycandidateforsuchanofficewhoclaimsthatsuchcandidate sHB5001is /aggrieved Fileby a violation of any provision of section 9-355, 9-357 to 9- 361, inclusive, 9-364, 9-364a, as amended by this act, or 9-365 in the casting ofabsentee ballotsat suchelectionor any candidate for theoffice Public Act No.

72526-42 sHB500179 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 is aggrieved by a violation of any provision of section 9-355, 9-357 to 9- 361, inclusive, 9-364, 9-364a, as amended by this act, or 9-365 in the casting ofabsentee ballotsat suchelectionor any candidate for theoffice of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of the State, State Treasurer, Attorney General or State Comptroller, who claims that such candidate is aggrieved by a violation of any provision of sections 9-700 to 9-716, inclusive, may bring such elector's or candidate's complaint to any judge ofthe Superior Court,inwhich suchelector or candidate shall set out the claimed errors of such election official, the claimed errors in the count or the claimed violations of said sections.

If such complaint is made subsequent to the election, it shall be brought not later than fourteen days after the election or, if such complaint is brought in response to [the manual tabulation of paper ballots authorized] an audit conducted pursuant to section 9-320f, as amended by this act, or section 44 of this act, such complaint shall be brought not later than seven days after the close of any such [manual tabulation] audit and, in either such circumstance, such judge shall forthwith order a hearing to be had upon such complaint, upon a day not more than five nor less than three days from the making of such order, and shall cause notice of not less than three nor more than five days to be given to any candidate or candidates whose election may be affected by the decision upon such hearing, to such election official, the Secretary of the State, the State Elections Enforcement Commission and to any other party or parties whom such judge deemsproper partiesthereto,ofthetime andplace for thehearing uponsuchcomplaint.Suchjudgeshall,onthedayfixedforsuchhearinguponsuchcomplaint.Suchjudgeshall,onthedayfixedfor suchhearing and without unnecessary delay, proceed to hear the parties.

If sufficient reason is shown, such judge may order any voting tabulators to be unlocked or any ballot boxes to be opened and a recount of the votes sHB5001cast, /including Fileabsentee No.ballots, to be made.

725Such sHB5001judge Fileshall thereupon, Public Act No.

72526-42 cast,80 includingof absentee112 ballots,Substitute toHouse beBill made.No.

Such5001 judge shall thereupon, in case such judge finds any error in the rulings of the election official, any mistake in the count of the votes or any violation of said sections, certify the result of such judge's finding or decision to the Secretary of the State before the fifteenth day of the next succeeding December.

If such complaint is made subsequentPublic toAct such election or primary, it shall be brought not later than fourteen days after such election or primary, except that if such sHB5001 / File No.

72526-42 sHB500181 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 subsequent to such election or primary, it shall be brought not later than fourteen days after such election or primary, except that if such complaint is brought in response to [the manual tabulation of paper ballots, authorized] an audit conducted pursuant to section 9-320f, as amended by this act, or section 44 of this act, such complaint shall be brought not later than seven days after the close of any such [manual tabulation] audit, to any judge of the Superior Court, in which he shall set out the claimed errors of the election official, the claimed errors in the count or the claimed violations of said sections.

Such certificate of such judge of his finding or decision shall be final and conclusive upon all questions relating to errors in the ruling of such election officials, to the correctness of such count,and,forthepurposesofthissectiononly,suchclaimedviolations, and shall operate to correct the returns of the moderators or presiding officers, so as to conform to such finding or decision, except that this section shall not affect the right of appeal to the Supreme Court and it shallPublic notAct preventNo. such judge from reserving such questions of law for the advice of the Supreme Court as provided in section 9-325.

Such26-42 judge82 may, if necessary, issue his writ of mandamus,112 requiringSubstitute theHouse adverseBill party and those under him to deliver to the complainant the sHB5001 / File No.

7255001 sHB5001shall Filenot No.prevent such judge from reserving such questions of law for the advice of the Supreme Court as provided in section 9-325.

725Such judge may, if necessary, issue his writ of mandamus, requiring the adverse party and those under him to deliver to the complainant the appurtenances of such office, and shall cause his finding and decree to be entered on the records of the Superior Court in the proper judicial district.

If such complaint is made subsequent to such primary it shall be brought, not later than fourteen days after such primary, or if such complaint is brought in response to [the manual tabulation of paper ballots, described in] an audit conducted pursuant to section 9- 320f, as amended by this act, or section 44 of this act, such complaint shallPublic beAct brought,No. not later than seven days after the close of any such [manual tabulation] audit, to any judge of the Superior Court.

26-42 83 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 shall be brought, not later than seven days after the close of any such [manual tabulation] audit, to any judge of the Superior Court.

sHB5001(b) /During Fileany No.municipal, state or federal election, primary or recanvass, or any audit conducted pursuant to section 9-320f, as amended by this act, or section 44 of this act, the Secretary of the State may issue an order, whether orally or in writing, to any registrar of voters or moderator to correct any irregularity or impropriety in the conduct of such election, primary or recanvass or audit.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 (b) During any municipal, state or federal election, primary or recanvass, or any audit conducted pursuant to section 9-320f, as amended by this act, or section 44 of this act, the Secretary of the State may issue an order, whether orally or in writing, to any registrar of voters or moderator to correct any irregularity or impropriety in the conduct of such election, primary or recanvass or audit.

(B) communicating with registrars of voters to assist, to the extent permitted under law, in preparations for and operations of any election, primary or recanvass, or any audit conducted pursuant to section 9-320f, as amended by this act, or section 44Public ofAct thisNo. act;

26-42 84 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 of this act;

(a) Any regional council of governments organized under the sHB5001provisionsofsections4-124ito /4-124p,inclusive, Filemay No.appoint aregional election advisor, who shall represent, consult with and act on behalf of such regional council of governments and any combination of regional councils of governments or member towns of regional councils of governments that may seek the assistance of such regional election advisor.

725A sHB5001regional Fileelection No.advisor shall consult and coordinate with the Secretary of the State to provide such assistance in preparations for and operations of any election, primary or recanvass, or any audit conducted pursuant to section 9-320f, as amended by this act, or section of this act.

725 provisionsofsections4-124ito 4-124p,inclusive, may appoint aregional election advisor, who shall represent, consult with and act on behalf of such regional council of governments and any combination of regional councils of governments or member towns of regional councils of governments that may seek the assistance of such regional election advisor.

A regional election advisor shall consult and coordinate with the Secretary of the State to provide such assistance in preparations for and operations of any election, primary or recanvass, or any audit conducted pursuant to section 9-320f, as amended by this act, or section 44 of this act.

Nothing in thisPublic sectionAct shallNo. preclude any candidate or elector from seeking additional remedies pursuant to chapter 149 as a result of any information revealed by such process.

26-42 85 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 this section shall preclude any candidate or elector from seeking additional remedies pursuant to chapter 149 as a result of any information revealed by such process.

and (3) one municipality with a sHB5001population /of Fileninety No.thousand or greater.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 population of ninety thousand or greater.

(3)Public "Primary"Act hasNo. the same meaning as provided in section 9-372 of the general statutes;

26-42 86 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 (3) "Primary" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-372 of the general statutes;

(A) Knowingly be within two hundred fifty feet of any elections site, sHB5001unless /(i) Filethe No.Governor deems such force necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States or of the state, (ii) in the case of any such search, detention or arrest, such officer, agent or person (I) is acting in an official capacity, (II) has given notice to the Secretary of the State and the Attorney General not less than twenty-four hours prior to such search, detention or arrest, and (III) is authorized by a judicial warrant or judicial order of a court of competent jurisdiction to specifically conduct such search, detention or arrest within two hundred fifty feet of such elections site, and at the specific location at which such search, detention or arrest is to be conducted, provided such officer, agent or person is within such two hundred fifty feet only for as long as reasonably necessary to conduct such search, detention or arrest, (iii) exigent circumstances reasonably require the presence of any such officer, agent or person to protect against a serious threat to life or property, provided such officer, agent or person is within such two hundred fifty feet only for as long as reasonably necessary to protect against such threat, or (iv) the Secretary of the State or moderator (I) requests such force to suppress disorder, or (II) has given permission for such an officer, agent or person to be present and such permission has not been withdrawn;

725Public sHB5001Act File No.

72526-42 unless87 (i) the Governor deems such force necessary to repel armed enemies of the112 UnitedSubstitute StatesHouse orBill ofNo. the state, (ii) in the case of any such search, detention or arrest, such officer, agent or person (I) is acting in an official capacity, (II) has given notice to the Secretary of the State and the Attorney General not less than twenty-four hours prior to such search, detention or arrest, and (III) is authorized by a judicial warrant or judicial order of a court of competent jurisdiction to specifically conduct such search, detention or arrest within two hundred fifty feet of such elections site, and at the specific location at which such search, detention or arrest is to be conducted, provided such officer, agent or person is within such two hundred fifty feet only for as long as reasonably necessary to conduct such search, detention or arrest, (iii) exigent circumstances reasonably require the presence of any such officer, agent or person to protect against a serious threat to life or property, provided such officer, agent or person is within such two hundred fifty feet only for as long as reasonably necessary to protect against such threat, or (iv) the Secretary of the State or moderator (I) requests such force to suppress disorder, or (II) has given permission for such an officer, agent or person to be present and such permission has not been withdrawn;

5001 (B) Knowingly be within two hundred fifty feet of an elections site for the purpose of attempting to examine the qualifications to vote of any individual at such elections site;

(2) Nothing in subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be construed to (A) prevent any officer, agent or person described in said subdivision, when off duty, from voting in accordance with the provisions of title 9 of the general statutes or otherwise engaging in protected political expression, or (B) prohibit any such officer, agent or person from (i) sHB5001passing /within Filetwo No.hundred fifty feet of an elections site only for as long as necessary to be within such two hundred fifty feet while on the way to a place or locationother thansuchelections site, or (ii)residing within such two hundred fifty feet.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 passing within two hundred fifty feet of an elections site only for as long as necessary to be within such two hundred fifty feet while on the way to a place or locationother thansuchelections site, or (ii)residing within such two hundred fifty feet.

(3)Any person who wilfully violatestheprovisionsof subdivision(1) ofPublic thisAct subsection,No. or refuses to comply with a request from the moderator to remove such person's mask or other covering, shall be guilty of a class D felony.

26-42 88 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 of this subsection, or refuses to comply with a request from the moderator to remove such person's mask or other covering, shall be guilty of a class D felony.

(4) Nothing in subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be construed to prevent any election, primary or referendum official from performing sHB5001any /duty Fileunder No.title 9 of the general statutes.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 any duty under title 9 of the general statutes.

any person who influences or attempts to influencePublic byAct force,No. threat or harassment any election worker in the performance of any duty under the provisions of this title related to election administration at a primary, referendum, election or recanvass;

26-42 89 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 influence by force, threat or harassment any election worker in the performance of any duty under the provisions of this title related to election administration at a primary, referendum, election or recanvass;

(c) Any person who, with intent to harass, terrorize or alarm any election worker, or to improperly influence any election worker in the performance of any duty under this title related to election administration at a primary, referendum, election or recanvass, publicly discloses the personal identifying information of such election worker shall be guilty of a (1) class A misdemeanor for a first offense, and (2) sHB5001class /C Filefelony No.for any subsequent offense.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 class C felony for any subsequent offense.

(a) Any election official who, with intent to cause or permit any voting tabulator to fail to correctly register all votes cast thereon, (1) tampers with or disarranges [such tabulator] in any way such tabulator or any part or appliance thereof, or (2) causes such tabulator to be used or consents to its being used for voting at any election with knowledge ofPublic theAct factNo. that the same is (A) not in order, or (B) not perfectly set and adjusted to correctly register all votes cast thereon, [or] shall be guilty of a class D felony.

26-42 90 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 of the fact that the same is (A) not in order, or (B) not perfectly set and adjusted to correctly register all votes cast thereon, [or] shall be guilty of a class D felony.

(3) adds one or more ballotsto thosewhichhave beenlawfully depositedinsucha drop box, whether before or after such ballots have been counted, by fraudulently depositing such additional ballot or ballots into such drop sHB5001box /in Filea No.manner not authorized by law and falsely claiming that such additional ballot or ballots were lawfully deposited into such drop box, with the intent to interrupt or invalidate an election, primary or referendum;

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 box in a manner not authorized by law and falsely claiming that such additional ballot or ballots were lawfully deposited into such drop box, with the intent to interrupt or invalidate an election, primary or referendum;

Subsection (a) of section 3-129g of the 2026 supplement to the generalPublic statutesAct isNo. repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

(a)The26-42 Attorney91 Generalmay investigate, interveneinor bring a civil or administrative action in the name of the112 state,Substitute seekingHouse injunctiveBill orNo. declaratory relief, damages, and any other relief that may be available under law, whenever any person is or has engaged in a practice or pattern of conduct, or has established a policy, that:

5001 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

(a)The Attorney Generalmay investigate, intervene inor bring acivil or administrative action in the name of the state, seeking injunctive or declaratory relief, damages, and any other relief that may be available under law, whenever any person is or has engaged in a practice or pattern of conduct, or has established a policy, that:

Section 9-247 of the general statutes, as amended by section 73 of public act 26-1, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

The registrars of votersshall, before the commencement of the period of early voting at each election, cause test ballots to be inserted in each voting tabulator to ensure that each voting tabulator is prepared and sHB5001read /and Filecause No.each other voting system approved by the Secretary of the State for use in the election, including, but not limited to, voting devices equipped for individuals with disabilities that comply with the provisions of the Help America Vote Act, P.L.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 read and cause each other voting system approved by the Secretary of the State for use in the election, including, but not limited to, voting devices equipped for individuals with disabilities that comply with the provisions of the Help America Vote Act, P.L.

Such registrars of voters shall cause each voting system to bePublic inAct orderNo. and set and adjusted, to be delivered at the polling place [,] or location designated for the conduct of early voting, [or location designated for the conduct of same-day election registration,] as applicable, together with all necessary furniture and appliances that go with the same, at the room where voting at such election is to take place, and to be tested and operable not later than one hour prior to the opening of the polling place [,] or location designated for the conduct of early voting, [or location designated for the conduct of same-day election registration,] as applicable.

26-42 92 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 be in order and set and adjusted, to be delivered at the polling place [,] or location designated for the conduct of early voting, [or location designated for the conduct of same-day election registration,] as applicable, together with all necessary furniture and appliances that go with the same, at the room where voting at such election is to take place, and to be tested and operable not later than one hour prior to the opening of the polling place [,] or location designated for the conduct of early voting, [or location designated for the conduct of same-day election registration,] as applicable.

Any registrar taking such office after July 1, 2015, shall complete such program and satisfy such criteria for certification [(A)] (i) in the case of a two-year term, not later than the conclusion of such term, and [(B)] (ii) in the case of a four-year term, not later than two years after the date of first holding such office, except [as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection] that any such registrar who completed the program and satisfied the criteria described in sHB5001subparagraph /(B) Fileof No.this subdivision for deputy registrars, and who subsequently became registrar in accordance with the provisions of section 9-192, shall be deemed to have completed the program and satisfied the criteria described in this subparagraph for the applicable term.

725(B) sHB5001All Filedeputy registrars taking such office on or before July 1, 2026, Public Act No.

72526-42 subparagraph93 (B) of this112 subdivisionSubstitute forHouse deputyBill registrars,No. and who subsequently became registrar in accordance with the provisions of section 9-192, shall be deemed to have completed the program and satisfied the criteria described in this subparagraph for the applicable term.

(B)5001 All deputy registrars taking such office on or before July 1, 2026, shall complete such program and satisfy such criteria for certification not later than July 1, 2028.

On and after sHB5001January /1, File2024, No.such training shall include procedures for the conduct of early voting at elections and primaries.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 January 1, 2024, such training shall include procedures for the conduct of early voting at elections and primaries.

(b)Public ThereAct isNo. created an advisory committee for the purpose of establishing programs and procedures for training, examining and certifying registrars of voters, deputy registrars of voters and assistant registrars of voters, as described in section 9-192.

26-42 94 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 (b) There is created an advisory committee for the purpose of establishing programs and procedures for training, examining and certifying registrars of voters, deputy registrars of voters and assistant registrars of voters, as described in section 9-192.

Any [deputy sHB5001or] /assistant Fileregistrar No.of voters may participate in the course of training prescribed by the Secretary for certification as a certified Connecticut registrar of voters or deputy registrar of voters.

725The sHB5001Secretary Fileof the Public Act No.

72526-42 or]95 assistant registrar of voters112 maySubstitute participateHouse inBill theNo. course of training prescribed by the Secretary for certification as a certified Connecticut registrar of voters or deputy registrar of voters.

The5001 Secretary of the State shall certify any individual who completes such training and successfully completes any examination or examinations prescribed by the Secretary as a certified Connecticut registrar of voters or deputy registrar of voters, as applicable.

Eachsuchofficialshall becompensatedby [the]such municipality at the rate of thirty-five dollars per day for attending each such conference, plus mileage to and from such conference at a rate per mile determined by [the] such municipality, but not less than twenty cents per mile, computed from the office of such official or, if [he] such official has no sHB5001office, /from File[his] such official's home to the place where such conference Public Act No.

72526-42 sHB500196 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 office, from [his] such official's home to the place where such conference is being held.

Section 9-388 of the general statutes, as amended by section 79 of public act 26-1, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(b) (1) In the case of a timely filed certificate of a party's endorsement pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, which contains an error or omission that would operate to invalidate such endorsement, the candidatePublic soAct certified or an individual authorized to act on behalf of sHB5001 / File No.

72526-42 sHB500197 Fileof 112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 candidate so certified or an individual authorized to act on behalf of such candidate may correct such error or omission by appearing in person at the office of the Secretary of the State, on a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, not later than four o'clock p.m.

on the fourteenth day after the close of the town committeePublic meeting,Act caucusNo. or convention, as the case may be.

If26-42 such98 a certificate of a112 party'sSubstitute endorsementHouse isBill not received by the Secretary of the State by such time, such certificate shall be invalid and such party, sHB5001 / File No.

7255001 sHB5001committee Filemeeting, No.caucus or convention, as the case may be.

725If such a certificate of a party's endorsement is not received by the Secretary of the State by such time, such certificate shall be invalid and such party, for the purposes of sections 9-417 and 9-418, shall be deemed to have neither made nor certified any endorsement of any candidate for such office.Thecandidatesoendorsedforamunicipalofficetobevotedupon at a state election, other than the office of justice of the peace, shall file with the Secretary of the State a certificate, signed by that candidate, stating that such candidate was so endorsed, the candidate's name as the candidate authorizes it to appear on the ballot, the candidate's full street address and the title and district of the office for which the candidate was endorsed.

(2) (A) In the case of a timely filed certificate of a party's endorsement pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, which contains an error orPublic omissionAct thatNo. would operate to invalidate such endorsement, the candidate so certified or an individual authorized to act on behalf of such candidate may correct such error or omission by appearing in person at the office of the Secretary of the State, on a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, not later than four o'clock p.m.

on26-42 sHB500199 /of File112 Substitute House Bill No.

7255001 sHB5001or Fileomission No.that would operate to invalidate such endorsement, the candidate so certified or an individual authorized to act on behalf of such candidate may correct such error or omission by appearing in person at the office of the Secretary of the State, on a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, not later than four o'clock p.m.

725on the nineteenth day after the close of the town committee meeting, caucus or convention, as applicable, and amending such certificate to make such correction.

Section 9-400 of the general statutes, as amended by section 81 of public act 26-1, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) A candidacy for nomination by a political party to a state office may be filed by or on behalf of any person whose name appears upon the last-completed enrollment list of such party in any municipality within the state and who has either (1) received at least fifteen per cent of the votes of the convention delegates present and voting on any roll- call vote taken on the endorsement or proposed endorsement of a candidatePublic forAct suchNo. state office, whether or not the party-endorsed candidate for such office received a unanimous vote on the last ballot, or (2) circulated a petition and obtained the signatures of at least two percentoftheenrolledmembersofsuchpartyinthestate,inaccordance with the provisions of sections 9-404a to 9-404c, inclusive.

26-42 100 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 candidate for such state office, whether or not the party-endorsed candidate for such office received a unanimous vote on the last ballot, or (2) circulated a petition and obtained the signatures of at least two percentoftheenrolledmembersofsuchpartyinthestate,inaccordance with the provisions of sections 9-404a to 9-404c, inclusive.

sHB5001on /the Filefourteenth No.day following the close of the state convention, a certificate, signed by such candidate and attested by either (A) the chairman or presiding officer, or (B) the secretary of the convention, that such candidate received at least fifteen per cent of such votes, and that such candidate consents to be a candidate in a primary of such party for such state office.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 on the fourteenth day following the close of the state convention, a certificate, signed by such candidate and attested by either (A) the chairman or presiding officer, or (B) the secretary of the convention, that such candidate received at least fifteen per cent of such votes, and that such candidate consents to be a candidate in a primary of such party for such state office.

A petition filed by or on behalf of a candidate for state office shall be invalid for such candidate if such candidate is certified as the party- endorsed candidate pursuant to section 9-388, as amended by [this act] public act 26-1 and this act, or as receiving at least fifteen per cent of the conventionPublic voteAct forNo. such office pursuant to this subsection.

26-42 101 of 112 Substitute House Bill No.

5001 convention vote for such office pursuant to this subsection.

sHB5001(b) /A Filecandidacy No.for nomination by a political party to a district office may be filed by or on behalf of any person whose name appears upon the last-completed enrollment list of such party within the district the person seeks to represent that is in the office of the Secretary of the State at the end of the last day prior to the convention for the party from which the person seeks nomination and who has either (1) received at least fifteenper cent ofthevotesoftheconventiondelegatespresentand voting on any roll-call vote taken on the endorsement or proposed endorsement of a candidate for such district office, whether or not the party-endorsed candidate for such office received a unanimous vote on the last ballot, or (2) circulated a petition and obtained the signatures of at least two per cent ofthe enrolled membersof such party in the district for the district office of representative in Congress, and at least five per cent of the enrolled members of such party in the district for the district offices of state senator, state representative and judge of probate, in accordance with the provisions of sections 9-404a to 9-404c, inclusive.

725 sHB5001 File No.

725 (b) A candidacy for nomination by a political party to a district office may be filed by or on behalf of any person whose name appears upon the last-completed enrollment list of such party within the district the person seeks to represent that is in the office of the Secretary of the State at the end of the last day prior to the convention for the party from which the person seeks nomination and who has either (1) received at least fifteenper cent ofthevotesoftheconventiondelegatespresentand voting on any roll-call vote taken on the endorsement or proposed endorsement of a candidate for such district office, whether or not the party-endorsed candidate for such office received a unanimous vote on the last ballot, or (2) circulated a petition and obtained the signatures of at least two per cent ofthe enrolled membersof such party in the district for the district office of representative in Congress, and at least five per cent of the enrolled members of such party in the district for the district offices of state senator, state representative and judge of probate, in accordance with the provisions of sections 9-404a to 9-404c, inclusive.