SB 5 — AN ACT CONCERNING INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR ABSENTEE VOTING, SAFE AND SECURE IN-PERSON VOTING, VOTER REGISTRATION AND CERTAIN OTHER CHANGES REGARDING ELECTION ADMINISTRATION.

570 Sec.

[.] and (2) Distribute each year, on the fourth Tuesday of September, at each public high school in such town, information regarding eligibility for admission under subsection(a)or (b)of section9-12,assection 9-12,as amended by this act,sSB5 as/ wellFile asNo. procedures for applying for such admission.

The570 LCO9 sSB5 File No.

5623570 9act, ofand 46procedures registrarsofvotersandtheprincipalofanyfor suchpublichighschoolshallapplying determinefor the best means of distributing such informationadmission. at such public high school.

The registrars of voters and the principal of any such public high school shall determine the best means of distributing such information at such public high school.

Sec.sSB5 / File No.

570 10 sSB5 File No.

570 Sec.

(NEW) (Effective from passage) Each employer shall grant to (1) LCOeach No.employee in the case of a state election, or (2) each employee who is an elector in the case of any special election for United States senator, representative in Congress, state senator or state representative, two hours paid time off from such employee's regularly scheduled work on the day of any such election, for the purpose of voting at such election during the hours of voting specified in section 9-174 of the general statutes, if the employee requests such time off not less than two working days prior to such election.

5623 10 of 46 each employee in the case of a state election, or (2) each employee who is an elector in the case of any special election for United States senator, representative in Congress, state senator or state representative, two hours paid time off from such employee's regularly scheduled work on the day of any such election for the purpose of voting at such election during the hours of voting specified in section 9-174 of the general statutes, provided theemployee shall request such time off not less than two working days prior to such election.

SectionSubsection (a) of section 9-12 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

PriorFor purposes of this section, a person shall be deemed to admissionhave asattained anthe elector,age anyof sucheighteen citizenyears whoon hasthe day of the person's eighteenth birthday and a developmentalperson disability,shall asbe determineddeemed byto be a licensedbona physicianfide whoresident specializesof inthe primarytown care,to orwhich the citizen'scitizen legalapplies representative,for shalladmission certifyas underan oathelector thatif thesuch citizenperson's meetsdwelling theunit qualificationsis setlocated forthwithin inthe thisgeographic subsection.boundaries of such town.

For[No purposesmentally ofincompetent this section, (1) a person shall be deemedadmitted to have attained the age of eighteen years on the day of the person's eighteenth birthday, [and] (2) a person shall be deemed to be a bona fide resident of the town to which the citizen applies for admission as an electorelector.] ifSec. such person's dwelling unit is located within the geographic boundaries of such town, [.

No mentally incompetent person shall be admitted as an elector] and (3) "legal representative" has the same meaning as provided in section 17a-488.

(b) Any citizen who will have attained the age of eighteen years on or before the day of a regular election may apply for admission as an elector.

At the time of such application, any such citizen who has a developmental disability, as determined by a licensed physician who specializes in primary care, or the citizen's legal representative, shall certifyunderoaththatthecitizenmeetseachotherqualificationsetforth LCO No.

5623 11 of 46 in subsection (a) of this section.

If such citizen is found to be qualified the citizen shall become an elector on the day of the citizen's eighteenth birthday.

The registrars shall add the name of any person applying under this subsection, if found qualified, to the registry list and, if applicable, to the enrollment list, together with the effective date of his registration.

The registrars may place the name of each such person at the end of the registry and enrollment lists for the voting district.

Sec.

Section 9-20 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) (1) Each person who applies for admission as an elector in person to an admitting official shall, upon a form prescribed by the Secretary of the State and signed by the applicant, state under penalties of perjury, his name, bona fide residence by street and number, date of birth, whether heisa United Statescitizen,whether hisprivilegesasanelector are forfeited by reason of conviction of crime, and whether he has previously been admitted as an elector in any town in this or any other sSB5 / File No.

570 11 sSB5 File No.

570 state.

Each such applicant shall present his birth certificate, drivers' license or Social Security card to the admitting official for inspection at the time of application.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any special actorchartertothecontrary,theapplicationformshallalso,inamanner prescribed by the Secretary of the State, provide for application for enrollment in any political party, including, on any such form printed on or after January 1, 2006, a list of the names of the major parties, as defined in section 9-372, as options for the applicant.

The form shall indicate that such enrollment is not mandatory.

(2) A person with a developmental disability, as determined by a licensed physician who specializes in primary care, who applies for admissionasanelectorinpersontoanadmittingofficialmaybeassisted in satisfying the requirements of subdivision (1) of this subsection by such person's legal representative.

At the time of application, such applicant or such legal representative shall present to the admitting official documentation from such licensed physician of such determination.

As used in this section, "legal representative" has the same meaning as provided in section 17a-488.

(b) The applicant's statement shall be delivered to the registrars immediately and shall be kept by the registrars as a public record in a safe depository, except that no Social Security number obtained by the registrars prior to January 1, 2000, may be disclosed to the public or to any governmental agency.

Any such statement of an elector whose name has been removed from the registry list for a period of at least five years may be placed on microfilm, destroyed or otherwise disposed of by such registrars, in the manner provided in section 7-109.

Upon the request of any elector, or if the applicant does not present a birth certificate, drivers' license or Social Security card as required by subsection(a)ofthissection,atthetimeanapplicationismadein person to an admitting official or prior to the approval of such an application, any admitting official shall require the applicant to prove his identity, place of birth, age and bona fide residence by the testimony under oath of at least one elector or by the presentation of proof satisfactory to such admitting official.

Each person found qualified shall thereupon be sSB5 / File No.

570 12 sSB5 File No.

570 admitted as an elector, except as provided in sections 9-12, 9-19e, 9-19g and 9-30.

The registrars may request an elector whose date of birth is missing from their records to voluntarily furnish his date of birth.

Any admitting official may administer oaths in any matter coming before him under section 9-12, 9-17, 9-19b, subsection (a) of section 9-19c, section 9-19e, 9-19g, 9-23, 9-23a, 9-25, 9-31a, 9-31b, 9-31l, 9-40a or this section.

Said admitting official shall prohibit any activity which interferes with the orderly process of admission of electors.

(c) The application for admission as an elector shall include a statement that (1) specifies each eligibility requirement, (2) contains an attestation that the applicant meets each such requirement, and (3) requires the signature of the applicant, or of such applicant's legal representative in the case of an applicant with a developmental disability, under penalty of perjury.

Each registrar of voters and town clerk shall maintain a copy of such statement in braille, large print and audio form.

The Department of Aging and Disability Services shall produce a videotape presenting such statement in voice and sign language and provide the videotape to the Secretary of the State who shall make copies of the videotape and provide a copy to the registrars of voters of any municipality, upon request and at a cost equal to the cost of making the copy.

If a person applies for admission as an elector in person to an admitting official, such admitting official shall, upon the request of the applicant, administer the elector's oath.

Sec.

12.

Each elector who registered to vote by mail for the first time on or after January 1, 2003, and has a "mark" next to the elector's name on the official registry list, as required by section 9-23r, shall present to the official checker or checkers, before the elector votes, eithersSB5 a/ currentFile andNo. valid photo identification that shows the elector's name and address or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, governmentcheck,paycheckorothergovernmentdocumentthatshows the name and address of the elector.

570 13 sSB5 File No.

570 either a current and valid photo identification that shows the elector's name and address or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, governmentcheck,paycheckorothergovernmentdocumentthatshows the name and address of the elector.

If the elector completes the form under subdivision (2) of this subsection, the registrar of voters or the assistant LCOregistrar No.of voters, as the case may be, shall examine the information on such form and either instruct the official checker or checkers to check the name of such elector on the official checklist, manually on paper or electronically, or notify the elector that the form is incomplete or inaccurate.

5623 12 of 46 registrar of voters, as the case may be, shall examine the information on such form and either instruct the official checker or checkers to check the name of such elector on the official checklist, manually on paper or electronically, or notify the elector that the form is incomplete or inaccurate.

The election officials shall mark theelector's name onthe official voter list, manually on paper or electronically, as having voted in person and deliver such ballot and privacy sleeve to the voting tabulator where such ballot shall be placed into the tabulator, by the electionsSB5 official,/ forFile counting.No.

570 14 sSB5 File No.

570 election official, for counting.

(d) In each polling place in which two or more parties are holding primaries in which unaffiliated electors are authorized to vote or in which one party is holding a primary in which unaffiliated electors are authorized to vote for some but not all offices to be contested at the LCOprimary, No.the official checker or checkers shall give to each elector checked manually on paper or electronically, a receipt provided by the registrars of voters, in a form prescribed by the Secretary of the State, specifying either (1) the party with which the elector is enrolled, if any, or (2) in the case of an unaffiliated elector, the party in whose primary the elector has so chosen to vote, and whether the elector is authorized to vote for only a partial ballot.

5623 13 of 46 primary, the official checker or checkers shall give to each elector checked manually on paper or electronically, a receipt provided by the registrars of voters, in a form prescribed by the Secretary of the State, specifying either (1) the party with which the elector is enrolled, if any, or (2) in the case of an unaffiliated elector, the party in whose primary the elector has so chosen to vote, and whether the elector is authorized to vote for only a partial ballot.

Having voted, the elector shall immediately exit the voting booth area and deposit the ballotinthevotingtabulatorandleavetheroom.Noelectorshallremain within the voting booth longer than the time necessary to complete the ballot, and, if the elector refuses to leave suchbooth after completing the ballot,sSB5 the/ electorFile shallNo. at once be removed by the election officials upon order of the moderator.

Not570 more15 thansSB5 oneFile electorNo. at a time shall be permitted to be within the enclosed space which the elector occupies while the elector completes his or her ballot, [provided] except that an elector may be accompanied within such enclosed space by (1) one or more children who are fifteen years of age or younger and supervised by the elector, if the elector is the parent or legal guardian of such children, or (2) an elector with a developmental disability, as described in section 9-12, as amended by this act, pursuant to subsection (f) of this section.

570 ballot, the elector shall at once be removed by the election officials upon order of the moderator.

Not more than one elector at a time shall be permitted to be within the enclosed space which the elector occupies while the elector completes his or her ballot, [provided] except that an elector may be accompanied within such enclosed space by (1) one or more children who are fifteen years of age or younger and supervised by the elector, if the elector is the parent or legal guardian of such children, or (2)suchelector'slegalrepresentative inthecase ofanelector with a developmental disability, as described in section 9-20, as amended by this act, pursuant to subsection (f) of this section.

LCO(f) No.In the case of an elector with a developmental disability, as described in section 9-20, as amended by this act, the legal representative of such elector may assist such elector in performing any action under this section if such legal representative submits to the registrar of voters or assistant registrar of voters, as the case may be, information sufficient to prove such a relationship with such elector.

5623 14 of 46 (f) In the case of an elector with a developmental disability, as described in section 9-12, as amended by this act, the legal representative of such elector may assist such elector in performing any action under this section, provided such legal representative shall present to the registrar of voters or assistant registrar of voters, as the case may be, information sufficient to prove such a relationship with such elector.

12.13.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, a person who (1) is (A) not an elector, or (B) an elector registered in a municipality who wishes to change such elector's registration to another municipality pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of this section, and (2) meets the eligibility requirements under subsection (a) ofsSB5 section/ 9-12,File asNo. amended by this act, may apply for admission as an elector on election day pursuant to the provisions of subsections (a) to [(i)] (j), inclusive, of this section.

570 16 sSB5 File No.

570 of section 9-12, as amended by this act, may apply for admission as an elector on election day pursuant to the provisions of subsections (a) to [(i)] (j), inclusive, of this section.

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove such written certification not later than fifteen days before LCOelection No.day and may require the registrars of voters to appoint one or more additional election officials or alter such design or plan.

5623 15 of 46 election day and may require the registrars of voters to appoint one or more additional election officials or alter such design or plan.

(d) Any person applying to register on election day under the provisionssSB5 of/ subsectionsFile (a)No. to [(i)] (j), inclusive, of this section shall make application in accordance with the provisions of section 9-20, provided (1) on election day, the applicant shall appear in person not later than eight o'clock p.m., in accordance with subsection (b) of section 9-174, at the location designated by the registrars of voters for election day registration, (2) an applicant who is a student enrolled at an institution of higher education may submit a current photo identification card issued by such institution in lieu of the identification required by section 9-20, and (3) the applicant shall declare under oath that the applicant has not previously voted in the election.

If570 the17 informationsSB5 thatFile the applicant is required to provide under section 9-20 and subsections (a) to [(i)] (j), inclusive, of this section does not include proof of the applicant's residential address, the applicant shall also submit identification that shows the applicant's bona fide residence address, including, but not limited to, a learner's permit issued under section 14-36 or a utility bill that has the applicant's name and current LCO No.

5623570 16provisions of 46subsections address(a) andto that[(i)] has(j), ainclusive, dueof datethis thatsection isshall make application in accordance with the provisions of section 9-20, provided (1) on election day, the applicant shall appear in person not later than thirtyeight dayso'clock afterp.m., theelectionor,inthecaseofastudentenrolledataninstitutionofhigherin education,accordance with subsection (b) of section 9-174, at the location designated by the registrars of voters for election day registration, (2) an applicant who is a registrationstudent orenrolled feeat statementan frominstitution of higher education may submit a current photo identification card issued by such institution thatin haslieu of the applicant'sidentification namerequired by section 9-20, and current(3) address.the applicant shall declare under oath that the applicant has not previously voted in the election.

If the information that the applicant is required to provide under section 9-20 and subsections (a) to [(i)] (j), inclusive, of this section does not include proof of the applicant's residential address, the applicant shall also submit identification that shows the applicant's bona fide residence address, including, but not limited to, a learner's permit issued under section 14-36 or a utility bill that has the applicant's name and current address and that has a due date that is not later than thirty days after theelectionor,inthecaseofastudentenrolledataninstitutionofhigher education, a registration or fee statement from such institution that has the applicant's name and current address.

(2) If the registrars of voters determine that such applicant is an elector in another municipality and such applicant states that he or she wants to change the municipality in which the applicant is an elector, notwithstanding the provisions of section 9-21, the registrars of voters of the municipality in which such elector now seeks to register shall immediately notify the registrars of voters in such other municipality thatsSB5 such/ electorFile isNo. changing the municipality in which the applicant is anelector.Theregistrarsofvotersinsuchothermunicipalityshallnotify the election officials in such municipality to remove such elector from the official voter list of such municipality.

570 18 sSB5 File No.

570 that such elector is changing the municipality in which the applicant is anelector.Theregistrarsofvotersinsuchothermunicipalityshallnotify the election officials in such municipality to remove such elector from the official voter list of such municipality.

After completion of such LCOreview, No.if a resolution of the matter [can not] cannot be made, such matter shall be reported to the State Elections Enforcement Commission which shall conduct an investigation of the matter.

5623 17 of 46 review, if a resolution of the matter [can not] cannot be made, such matter shall be reported to the State Elections Enforcement Commission which shall conduct an investigation of the matter.

1.sSB5 / File No.

570 19 sSB5 File No.

570 1.

I completed an application for an election day registration ballot LCOand No.received an election day registration ballot.

5623 18 of 46 and received an election day registration ballot.

The registrars of voters shall seal a copy of the vote tally for election day registration ballots in a depositorysSB5 envelope/ withFile theNo. election day registration ballots and store such election day registration depository envelope with the other election results materials.

570 20 sSB5 File No.

570 depository envelope with the election day registration ballots and store such election day registration depository envelope with the other election results materials.

Such confirmation shall be sent by first class mail with instructions on LCOthe No.envelope that it be returned if not deliverable at the address shown on the envelope.

5623 19 of 46 the envelope that it be returned if not deliverable at the address shown on the envelope.

(j) In the case of an elector with a developmental disability, as described in section 9-12, as amended by this act, the legal representative of such elector may assist such elector in performing any action under this section,section providedif such legal representative shallsubmits present to the registrar of voters or an election official appointed by such registrar under this section, as the case may be, information sufficient to prove such a relationship with such elector.

[(j)] (k) No person shall (1) solicit in[in] on behalf of or in opposition to the candidacyofanotherorhimselfcandidacy orherselforinbehalfoforinoppositionof another or himself or herself or [in] on behalf of or in opposition to any question being submitted at the election, or loiter or peddle or offer any advertising matter, ballot or circular to another person within a radius of seventy-five feet of any outside entrance in use as an entry to any location designated by the registrars of voters for electionsSB5 day/ registrationFile ballotingNo. or in any corridor, passageway or other approach leading from any such outside entrance to any such location or in any room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach, or (2) possess a firearm within a radius of two hundred feet of any such outside entrance or in any such corridor, passageway or other approach or inany suchroom, except inthecase ofa firearmlocatedinaresidence situated within such radius or in the case of a uniformed on-duty police officer.

570 21 sSB5 File No.

570 election day registration balloting or in any corridor, passageway or other approach leading from any such outside entrance to any such location or in any room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach, or (2)possessa firearmwithin a radiusoftwo hundredfeet of any such outside entrance or in any such corridor, passageway or other approach or in any such room, except in the case of a firearm located in a residence or parked motor vehicle situated within such radius or in the case of a uniformed on-duty police officer.

13.

Section 9-46 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) A person shall forfeit such person's right to become an elector and such person's privileges as an elector upon conviction of a felony and (1) committal to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction for confinement in a correctional institution or facility, [or] but not a community residence, (2) committal to confinement in a federal LCO No.

5623 20 of 46 correctional institution or facility, or (3) committal to the custody of the chief correctional official of any other state or a county of any other state for confinement in a correctional institution or facility, [or] but not a community residence, in such state or county.

(b) In the case of a person who has forfeited such person's privileges as an elector under subsection (a) of this section and has regained such privileges under section 9-46a, as amended by this act, if such person subsequently returns to confinement in a correctional institution or facility, but not a community residence, from parole or special parole, release pursuant to section 18-100, 18-100c, 18-100e, 18-100h or 18-100i or furlough pursuant to section 18-101a, such person shall again forfeit such privileges.

[(b)] (c) No person who has forfeited and not regained such person's privileges as an elector, as provided in section 9-46a, may be a candidate for or hold public office.

Sec.

Section 9-46a9-45 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective fromJuly passage):1, 2021):

(a) (1)The [A]Commissioner Exceptof asCorrection providedshall, inon subdivisionor (2)before the fifteenth day of thiseach subsection,month, transmit to the Secretary of the State a personlist whoof hasall persons who, during the preceding calendar month, have been (1) convicted in the Superior Court of a felony and committed to confinementthe incustody aof [federalthe orCommissioner otherof state]Correction for confinement in a correctional institution or facility, or a[a community residence,residence] of(2) thereturned federalto governmentconfinement orin ofa anothercorrectional stateinstitution shallor havefacility suchfrom person'sparole electoralor privilegesspecial restoredparole, [uponrelease thepursuant paymentto ofsection all18-100, fines18-100c, in18- conjunction100e, with18-100h theor conviction18-100i and]or oncefurlough suchpursuant personto hassection been18-101a. [discharged] released from confinement.

[,Such and,lists ifshall applicable,include parole]the (2)names, Onbirth dates and afteraddresses Julyof 1,such 2021,persons, awith personthe whodates hasof beentheir convictedconviction ofand athe felonycrimes andof committedwhich tosuch confinementpersons inhave abeen communityconvicted, residenceor the dates of the federalviolation governmentof their parole, special parole, release or offurlough anotherand statethe shallnature haveof such person'sviolation, electoralas privilegesapplicable. restored.

(b)[Upon](1)Exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(2)ofthissubsection,The uponthereleasefromconfinementinacorrectionalinstitutionorfacilitySecretary LCOof No.the State shall transmit such lists to the registrarsofthetownsinwhichsuch [convicted]personswhohavebeen convicted or returned to confinement, as applicable, resided at the time of their conviction or violation of parole, special parole, release or furlough and to the registrars of any towns where the [secretary] Secretary believes such persons may be electors.

5623The 21registrars of 46 or a community residence of a person who has been convicted of a felonyandcommittedtothecustodyoftheCommissionerofCorrection, [and, if applicable, the discharge of such persontownsshallcomparethesame fromwiththelistofelectorsupontheirregistry parole,lists (1)]and, (A)after thewritten personnotice shallmailed haveby thecertified rightmail to becomeeach anof elector, [(2)] (B) the Commissionerpersons ofCorrectionshallgivenamed thepersonadocument certifying that the person has been released from such confinement, [and, if applicable, has been discharged from parole, (3)] (C) if the person was an elector at the timelast-known place of suchaddress felony conviction and, after such release, [and any such discharge,] is residing in the same municipality in which the person resided at the time of such felonyperson, conviction, the person's electoral privileges shall beerase restored,such andnames [(4)]from (D) if the personregistry waslists an elector at the time of such felony conviction and, after such release, [and any such discharge,] is residing in atheir differentrespective municipalitytowns or ifvoting thedistricts. person was not an elector at the time of such felony conviction, the person's electoral privileges shall be restored or granted upon submitting to an admitting official satisfactory proof of the person's qualifications to be admitted as an elector.

ThesSB5 provisions/ ofFile [subdivisionsNo. (1) to (4), inclusive, of this subsection] subparagraphs (A) to (D), inclusive, of this subdivision shall not apply to any person convicted of a felony for a violation of any provision of this title until such person has been discharged from any parole or probation for such felony.

(2)570 On22 andsSB5 afterFile JulyNo. 1, 2021, any person who has been convicted of a felony and committed to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction and who is confined in a community residence shall have such person's electoral privileges restored.

(c)570 The(b) registrarsAny ofperson voterswho ofprocures thesuch municipalityperson inor whichanother ato personbe isregistered admittedafter ashaving anbeen electordisfranchised pursuantby reason of conviction of crime and committed to subsectionthe (a)custody orof (b)the Commissioner of thisCorrection section,for withinconfinement thirtyin daysa aftercorrectional theinstitution dateor onfacility whichor sucha personcommunity isresidence, admitted,and shallany notifyperson thewho registrarsvotes ofat votersany ofelection theafter municipalityhaving whereinforfeited such personprivileges residedby atreason theof timeconviction of suchcrime person'sand convictionconfinement, thatshall suchbe person'sfined electoralnot rightsmore havethan beenfive sohundred restored.dollars and imprisoned not more than one year.

(d) The Commissioner of Correction shall establish procedures to LCO No.

5623 22 of 46 inform those persons who have been convicted of a felony and committed to the custody of said commissioner for confinement in a correctional institution or facility or a community residence, and are eligible to have their electoral privileges restored or granted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, of the right and procedures to have such privileges restored.

[The Office of Adult Probation] The Commissioner of Correction shall, within available appropriations, inform such persons who are on [probation on January 1, 2002] parole or special parole, or confined in a community residence on July 1, 2021, of their right to become electors and procedures to have their electoral privileges restored, which shall be in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(e) [The] (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the Commissioner of Correction shall, on or before the fifteenth day of each month, transmit to the Secretary of the State a list of all persons convicted of a felony and committed to the custody of said commissioner who, during the preceding calendar month, have been released from confinement in a correctional institution or facility or a community residence.

[and, if applicable, discharged from parole.] (2) On and after July 1, 2021, the Commissioner of Correction shall, on or before the fifteenth day of each month, transmit to the Secretary of the State a list of all persons convicted of a felony and committed to the custody of said commissioner who are confined in a community residence.

(3) [Such] The lists described in subdivisions (2) and (3) of this subsection shall include the names, birth dates and addresses of [such] the persons described in said subdivisions, with the dates of their convictions and the crimes of which such persons have been convicted.

The Secretary of the State shall transmit such lists to the registrars of the municipalities in which such convicted persons resided at the time of their convictions and to the registrars of any municipalities where the [secretary] Secretary believes such persons may be electors.

Section 9-2369-46 of the general statutes is repealed and the LCOfollowing No.is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):

5623(a) 23A person shall forfeit such person's right to become an elector and such person's privileges as an elector upon conviction of 46a followingfelony isand substituted(1) committal to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction for confinement in lieua thereofcorrectional (Effectiveinstitution fromor passage):facility, [or] but not a community residence, (2) committal to confinement in a federal correctional institution or facility, or (3) committal to the custody of the chief correctional official of any other state or a county of any other state for confinement in a correctional institution or facility, [or] but not a community residence, in such state or county.

(a)(b) OnIf thea day of any primary, referendum or election, no person shallhas (1)forfeited solicitsuch onperson's behalfprivileges ofas oran inelector oppositionunder tosubsection the(a) candidacy of anotherthis orsection, himselfhas orregained onsuch behalfprivileges ofunder orsection in9-46a, oppositionas toamended anyby questionthis beingact, submittedand atis thesubsequently electionreturned or referendum, or loiter or peddle or offer any advertising matter, ballot or circular to anotherconfinement personina withincorrectionalinstitutionor afacility,but radiusnot ofacommunity seventy-fiveresidence, feetfrom ofparole any outside entrance in use as an entry to any polling place or inspecial anyparole, corridor,release passagewaypursuant or other approach leading from any such outside entrance to suchsection polling18- place100, or18-100c, in18-100e, any18-100h room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach,18-100i or (2)furlough possesspursuant ato firearmsection within18-101a, a radius of two hundred feet of any such outsideperson entranceshall oragain inforfeit any such corridor,privileges. passageway or other approach or inany suchroom, except inthecase ofa firearmlocatedinaresidence situated within such radius or in the case of a uniformed on-duty police officer.

Nothing[(b)] contained(c) inNo thisperson sectionwho shallhas beforfeited construedand tonot prohibitregained [(1)]such (A)person's parent-teacherprivileges associationsas oran parent-teacherelector organizations[,] from holding bake sales or other fund-raising activities on the day of any primary, referendum or election in any school used as a polling place, provided such sales or activities shall not be held in thesection room9-46a, inas whichamended theby electionthis boothsact, are located, [(2)] (B) the registrars of voters from directing the officials at a primary, referendum or electionwho tohas distribute,regained withinsuch theprivileges restrictedand area,again adhesiveforfeited labelssuch onprivileges whichas areprovided imprintedin thesubsection words(b) "I Voted Today", or [(3)] (C) the registrars of votersthis insection, amay primary, election or referendum from jointly permitting nonpartisan activities to be conducted in a roomcandidate otherfor thanor thehold roompublic inoffice. which the election booths are located.

Sec.

16.

Section 9-46a of the general statutes is repealed and the sSB5 / File No.

570 23 sSB5 File No.

570 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):

(a) (1) A person who has been convicted of a felony and committed to confinement in a [federal or other state] correctional institution or facility [or community residence] of the federal government or of another state shall have such person's electoral privileges restored [upon the payment of all fines in conjunction with the conviction and] once such person has been [discharged] released from confinement.

[, and, if applicable, parole.] (2) A person who has been convicted of a felony and is committed to confinement in a community residence of the federal government or of another state shall have such person's electoral privileges restored if such person had previously forfeited such electoral privileges.

(b) (1) Upon the release from confinement in a correctional institution or facility [or a community residence] of a person who has been convictedofafelonyandcommittedtothecustodyoftheCommissioner of Correction, [and, if applicable, the discharge of such person from parole, (1)] (A) the person shall have the right to become an elector, [(2)] (B) the Commissioner of Correction shall give the person a document certifying that the person has been released from such confinement, [and, if applicable, has been discharged from parole, (3)] (C) if the person was an elector at the time of such felony conviction and, after such release, [and any such discharge,] is residing in the same municipality in which the person resided at the time of such felony conviction, the person's electoral privileges shall be restored, and [(4)] (D)ifthepersonwasanelector atthetimeofsuchfelony convictionand, after such release, [and any such discharge,] is residing in a different municipalityorifthepersonwasnotanelectoratthetimeofsuchfelony conviction, the person's electoral privileges shall be restored or granted upon submitting to an admitting official satisfactory proof of the person's qualifications to be admitted as an elector.

The provisions of [subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of this subsection] subparagraphs (A) to (D), inclusive, of this subdivision shall not apply to any person convicted of a felony for a violation of any provision of this title until sSB5 / File No.

570 24 sSB5 File No.

570 such person has been discharged from any parole or probation for such felony.

(2) A person who has been convicted of a felony and committed to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction and is confined in a community residence shall have such person's electoral privileges restored if such person had previously forfeited such electoral privileges.

(c) The registrars of voters of the municipality in which a person is admitted as an elector pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of this section, within thirty days after the date on which such person is admitted, shall notify the registrars of voters of the municipality wherein such person resided at the time of such person's conviction that such person's electoral rights have been so restored.

(d) The Commissioner of Correction shall establish procedures to inform those persons who have been convicted of a felony and committed to the custody of said commissioner for confinement in a correctional institution or facility or a community residence, and are eligible to have their electoral privileges restored or granted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, of the right and procedures to have such privileges restored.

The [Office of Adult Probation] Commissioner of Correction shall, within available appropriations, inform such persons who are on [probation on January 1, 2002] parole or special parole, or confined in a community residence, of their right to become electorsand procedures to have their electoral privileges restored, which shall be in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(e) The Commissioner of Correction shall, on or before the fifteenth day of each month, transmit to the Secretary of the State a list of all persons convicted of a felony and committed to the custody of said commissioner who, during the preceding calendar month, have (1) been released from confinement in a correctional institution or facility, or (2) begun confinement in a community residence.

[and, if applicable, discharged from parole.] Such lists shall include the names, birth dates and addresses of such persons, with the dates of their convictions and sSB5 / File No.

570 25 sSB5 File No.

570 the crimes of which such persons have been convicted.

The Secretary [of the State] shall transmit such lists to the registrars of the municipalities in which such convicted persons resided at the time of their convictions and to the registrars of any municipalities where the [secretary] Secretary believes such persons may be electors.

Sec.

17.

Section 9-236 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) On the day of any primary, referendum or election, no person shall (1) solicit on behalf of or in opposition to the candidacy of another or himself or on behalf of or in opposition to any question being submitted at the election or referendum, or loiter or peddle or offer any advertising matter, ballot or circular to another person within a radius of seventy-five feet of any outside entrance in use as an entry to any polling place or in any corridor, passageway or other approach leading from any such outside entrance to such polling place or in any room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach, or (2) possess a firearm within a radius of two hundred feet of any such outside entrance or in any such corridor, passageway or other approach or inany suchroom, except inthecase ofa firearmlocatedinaresidence or parked motor vehicle situated within such radius or in the case of a uniformedon-dutypoliceofficer.Nothing containedinthissectionshall be construed to prohibit [(1)] (A) parent-teacher associations or parent- teacher organizations from holding bake sales or other fund-raising activities on the day of any primary, referendum or election in any school used as a polling place, provided such sales or activities shall not be held in the room in which the election booths are located, [(2)] (B) the registrars of voters from directing the officials at a primary, referendum or election to distribute, within the restricted area, adhesive labels on which are imprinted the words "I Voted Today", or [(3)] (C) the registrars of voters in a primary, election or referendum from jointly permitting nonpartisan activities to be conducted in a room other than the room in which the election booths are located.

ThesSB5 moderator/ shallFile evictNo. any person who in any way interferes with the orderly process of voting.

570 26 sSB5 File No.

570 The moderator shall evict any person who in any way interferes with the orderly process of voting.

Such markers shall consist of a board resting on an iron rod, which board shall be not less than twelve inches square and painted a LCObright No.color and shall bear, [the] respectively:

5623 24 of 46 bright color and shall bear, [the] respectively:

"On the day of any primary, referendum or election no person shall solicit in[in] on behalf of or in opposition to another or himself or peddle or offer any ballot, advertising matter or circular to another person or loiter within a radius of seventy-five feet of any outside entrance in use as an entry to any polling place or in any corridor, passageway or other approach leading from any such outside entrance to such polling place or in any room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach.";

This restriction shall not apply in the case of a firearm located in a residence or parked motor vehicle situated within such radius of two hundred feet or in the case of a uniformed on-duty police officer." (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (A) of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the selectmen may provide the markers required by the provisions of this subsection in effect prior to October 1, 1983, in lieu of the markers required by said subparagraph, except that in the case of a referendum which is not held in conjunction with an election or a primary, the selectmen shall provide the markers required by subdivision[subdivision (1) of this subsection.subsection] said subparagraph.

(3) The moderator and the moderator's assistants shall meet at least twentysSB5 minutes/ beforeFile theNo. opening of a primary, referendum or an election in the voting district, and shall cause to be placed by a police officer or constable, or such other primary or election official as they select, a suitable number of distance markers.

570 27 sSB5 File No.

570 twenty minutes before the opening of a primary, referendum or an election in the voting district, and shall cause to be placed by a police officer or constable, or such other primary or election official as they select, a suitable number of distance markers.

(c) No person shall be allowed within any polling place for any LCOpurpose No.other than casting his or her vote, except (1) those permitted or exempt under this section or section 9-236a, (2) primary officials under section 9-436, (3) election officials under section 9-258, including (A) a municipal clerk or registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the same office, performing his or her official duties, and (B) a deputy registrar of voters, who isacandidate for theoffice ofregistrarofvoters,performing his or her official duties, or (4) party checkers under section 9-235.

5623 25 of 46 purpose other than casting his or her vote, except (1) those permitted or exempt under this section or section 9-236a, (2) primary officials under section 9-436, (3) election officials under section 9-258, including (A) a municipal clerk or registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the same office, performing his or her official duties, and (B) a deputy registrar of voters, who isacandidate for theoffice ofregistrarofvoters,performing his or her official duties, or (4) party checkers under section 9-235.

16.18.

Subsection (a) of section 9-225 of the general statutes is repealedsSB5 and/ theFile followingNo. is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a)570 (1)28 ExceptsSB5 asFile provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the town clerk or assistant town clerk of each town shall warn the electors thereinto meet ontheTuesday following the first Monday inNovember in the even-numbered years, at six o'clock a.m., which warning shall be givenbypublicationinanewspaperhavingageneralcirculationinsuch LCO No.

5623570 26repealed ofand 46the town,following oris townssubstituted in thelieu casethereof of(Effective afrom jointpassage): publication under subsection (b) of this section, [not more than fifteen nor less than five] and on such town's Internet web site beginning fifteen days previous to holding such election.

The(a) clerk(1) Except as provided in eachsubdivision town(2) shall,of inthis subsection, the warningtown forclerk suchor election,assistant givetown noticeclerk of (A)each thetown timeshall andwarn the locationelectors ofthereinto [the]meet eachontheTuesday pollingfollowing placethe first Monday inNovember in the town,even-numbered [and]years, (B)at insix townso'clock divideda.m., intowhich votingwarning districts,shall [of]be thegiven timeby andpublication the(A) locationin ofa [the]newspaper eachhaving pollinga placegeneral circulation in eachsuch district,town, andor (C)towns in the timecase andof thea locationjoint publication under subsection (b) of eachthis locationsection, designatednot formore electionthan dayfifteen registrationnor inless thethan town,five atdays whichprevious to holding such electionelection, willand be(B) held.on such town's Internet web site, not more than fifteen nor less than five days previous to holding such election.

The clerk in each town shall, in the warning for such election, give notice of (i) the time and the location of [the] each polling place in the town, [and] (ii) in towns divided into voting districts, [of] the time and the location of [the] each polling place in each district, and (iii) the time and the location of each location designated for election day registration in the town, at which such election will be held.

17.19.

The warning of each municipal election shall specify the objects for which suchelectionisto beheld.Notice ofatownelectionshallbegiven by the town clerk or assistant town clerk, by publishing a warning (1) in a newspaper published in such town or having a general circulation thereintherein, [, such publication to be not more than fifteen,fifteen [,] nor less than five]five days previous to holding the election, and (2) on such town's Internet web sitesite, beginningsuch publication to be not more than fifteen nor less than five days previous to holding the election.

The town clerk in each town shall, in the warning for such election, give notice of (1)(A) the time and the location of [the] each polling place in the town, [and,] (2)(B) in towns dividedsSB5 into/ votingFile districts,No. [of] the time and the location of [the] each polling place in each district, and (3) the time and the location of each location designated for election day registration in the town.

570 29 sSB5 File No.

570 divided into voting districts, [of] the time and the location of [the] each polling place in each district, and (C) the time and the location of each location designated for election day registration in the town.

Notice of an election of a city or borough shall be given by publishing a warning (i) in a newspaper published within the limits of such city or borough [,] or having a general circulation thereintherein, [, not more than fifteen nor less than five]five days previous to holding the election, and (ii) on the Internet web site of such city or borough, or the town having such city or borough within such town's limits, beginningnot more than fifteen nor less than five days previous to holding the election, LCOwhich No.warning shall include notice of (I) the time and the location of [the] each polling place in such city or borough, [and,] (II) in cities and boroughs divided into voting districts, [of] the time and the location of [the] each polling place in each district, and (III) the time and the location of each location designated for election day registration in such city or borough.

5623 27 of 46 which warning shall include notice of (A) the time and the location of [the] each polling place in such city or borough, [and,] (B) in cities and boroughs divided into voting districts, [of] the time and the location of [the] each polling place in each district, and (C) the time and the location of each location designated for election day registration in such city or borough.

18.20.

(a) (1) [Application] (1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, application for an absentee ballot shall be made to the clerk of the municipality in which the applicant is eligible to vote or has applied for such eligibility.

The municipal clerk shall maintain a log of all absentee ballot applications provided under this subsection, including the name and address of each person to whom applications are providedsSB5 and/ theFile numberNo. of applications provided to each such person.

570 30 sSB5 File No.

570 provided and the number of applications provided to each such person.

The application shall be signed by the applicant under the penalties of false statement in absentee balloting on [(1)] (A) the form prescribed by the Secretary of the State pursuant to section 9-139a, [(2)] (B) a form provided by any federal department or agency if applicable pursuant to section 9-153a, or [(3)] (C) any of the special forms of application prescribed pursuant to section 9-150c, 9-153a, 9-153b, 9-153d, 9-153e, 9-153f or 9-158d, if LCOapplicable. No.

5623 28 of 46 applicable.

(1) (A) Application for an absentee ballot may also be made to the Secretary of the State through a telephonic system established and maintained by the Secretary for such purpose,purpose providedif an applicant's signature is in a database described in subsection (b) of section 9-19k and such signature may be imported into such online system.

(B)sSB5 In/ orderFile forNo. an application for an absentee ballot to be submitted through the telephonic system described in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, the applicant's signature shall be obtained from a database described in subsection (b) of section 9-19k and the applicant shall, in speaking with a respondent from the office of the Secretary of the State, (i) provide his or her name, (ii) indicate the municipality in which such applicant is eligible to vote or has applied for such eligibility, and (iii) swear or affirm under penalties of false statement in absentee balloting that:

LCO570 31 sSB5 File No.

5623570 29(B) ofIn 46order (I)for Suchan personapplication isfor an absentee ballot to be submitted through the persontelephonic whosesystem namedescribed wasin sosubparagraph provided(A) of this subdivision, the applicant's signature shall be obtained from a database described in subsection (b) of section 9-19k and desiresthe applicant shall, in speaking with a respondent from the office of the Secretary of the State, (i) provide his or her name, (ii) indicate the municipality in which such applicant is eligible to applyvote or has applied for ansuch eligibility, and (iii) swear or affirm under penalties of false statement in absentee ballot.balloting that:

(II)(I) Such person is eligiblethe toperson votewhose inname thewas municipality so indicatedprovided orand hasdesires appliedto apply for suchan eligibility.absentee ballot;

(III)(II) Such person authorizesis theeligible Department of Motor Vehicles or other state agency to transmitvote toin the Secretarymunicipality suchso person'sindicated signatureor thathas isonfileapplied with such agency and understandsthat such signature will be used by the Secretary through this telephonic application for an absentee ballot as if such personeligibility; had signed this form personally.

(2)and (A)(III) ApplicationSuch forperson anauthorizes absenteethe ballotDepartment mayof beMotor madeVehicles toor theother Secretarystate ofagency theto Statetransmit throughto anthe onlineSecretary systemsuch establishedperson's andsignature maintainedthat byisonfile thewith Secretary for such purpose,agency providedand anunderstandsthat applicant'ssuch signature iswill inbe aused databaseby describedthe inSecretary subsectionthrough (b)this oftelephonic sectionapplication 9-19kfor andan suchabsentee signatureballot mayas beif importedsuch intoperson suchhad onlinesigned system.this form personally.

(2) (A) Application for an absentee ballot may also be made to the Secretary of the State through an online system established and maintained by the Secretary for such purpose if an applicant's signature is in a database described in subsection (b) of section 9-19k and such signature may be imported into such online system.

"BysSB5 clicking/ onFile theNo. box below, I swear or affirm all of the following under penalty of false statement in absentee balloting:

570 32 sSB5 File No.

570 "By clicking on the box below, I swear or affirm all of the following under penalty of false statement in absentee balloting:

I authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles or other Connecticut state agency to transmit to the Connecticut Secretary of the State my LCOsignature No.that is on file with such agency and understand that such signature will be used by the Secretary on this online application for an absentee ballot as if I had signed this form personally." (3) Not later than twenty-four hours after receipt of any submitted application for an absentee ballot through the telephonic or online system described in subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection, the Secretary shall transmit such application to the clerk of the municipality indicated in such application.

5623 30 of 46 signature that is on file with such agency and understand that such signature will be used by the Secretary on this online application for an absentee ballot as if I had signed this form personally." (3) Not later than twenty-four hours after receipt of any submitted application for an absentee ballot through the telephonic or online system described in subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection, the Secretary shall transmit such application to the clerk of the municipality indicated in such application.

19.21.

(4) it is returned by a member of the immediate familysSB5 of/ theFile absenteeNo. voter, in person, to said clerk not later than the close of the polls on the day of the election, primary or referendum;

570 33 sSB5 File No.

570 family of the absentee voter, in person, to said clerk not later than the close of the polls on the day of the election, primary or referendum;

A person returning an absentee ballot to the municipalclerk pursuant to subdivision(3)or (4)ofthis subsectionshall present identification and, on the outer envelope of the absentee ballot, LCOsign No.his name in the presence of the municipal clerk, and indicate his address, his relationship to the voter or his position, and the date and time of such return.

5623 31 of 46 sign his name in the presence of the municipal clerk, and indicate his address, his relationship to the voter or his position, and the date and time of such return.

(b) As used 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) [if no such person consents or is available, then] a police officer, registrar of voters, deputy registrar of voters or assistant registrar of voters in the municipality in which the applicant resides,resides. person appointed by such registrar of voters or member of the town committee in such municipality of the party in which such applicant is enrolled, if applicable.

(2) In the case of absentee ballots mailed under subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of this subsection, beginning on the twenty-ninth day before [the state election in 2020] each election and on each weekday thereafter until the close of the polls at such election, the municipal clerk shallsSB5 (A)/ retrieveFile fromNo. the secure drop box described in said subparagrapheach suchballot depositedin suchdropbox,and(B)ifthe drop box is located outside a building other than the building where the clerk's office is located, arrange for the clerk or the clerk's designee to be escorted by a police officer during such retrieval.

570 34 sSB5 File No.

570 shall (A) retrieve from the secure drop box described in said subparagrapheach suchballot depositedin suchdropbox,and(B)ifthe drop box is located outside a building other than the building where the clerk's office is located, arrange for the clerk or the clerk's designee to be escorted by a police officer during such retrieval.

20.22.

LCO(a)The No.municipal clerk shallretaintheenvelopescontaining absentee ballots received by him under section 9-140b, as amended by this act, and shall not open such envelopes.

5623 32 of 46 (a)The municipal clerk shallretaintheenvelopescontaining absentee ballots received by him under section 9-140b, as amended by this act, and shall not open such envelopes.

On any such day, beginning as soon as the ballots have been sorted, the registrars of voters, without opening the outer 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 whichsSB5 the/ applicantsFile areNo. voting preceding each such name.

570 35 sSB5 File No.

570 which the applicants are voting preceding each such name.

LCO[(B) No.For the state election in 2020, beginning on the fourteenth day before the election and on any weekday thereafter, all absentee ballots received by the municipal clerk at or prior to eleven o'clock a.m.

5623 33 of 46 [(B) For the state election in 2020, beginning on the fourteenth day before the election and on any weekday thereafter, all absentee ballots received by the municipal clerk at or prior to eleven o'clock a.m.

Unless absentee ballots are to be counted in the respectivesSB5 polling/ places,File pursuantNo. 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.

(2)570 (A)36 ForsSB5 theFile state election in 2020:] [(i)] (e) (1) (A) Ballots received, sorted and checked prior to five LCO No.

5623570 34respective polling places, pursuant to subsection (b) of 46section o'clock9-147a, p.m.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.

(2) (A) For the state election in 2020:] [(i)] (e) (1) (A) Ballots received, sorted and checked prior to five o'clock p.m.

[(B)](2)Themunicipalclerkmaydelivertheballotsat timeslaterthan those provided in subdivision (1) of this subsectionsubsection, [or subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, as applicable,] provided any such time is mutually agreed upon by the municipal clerk and registrars and is not later than eight o'clock p.m.

of such last day before an election, primary or referendum shall be sortedsSB5 into/ votingFile districtsNo. by the clerk and retained by the clerk separately until delivered to the registrars of voters for checking.

570 37 sSB5 File No.

570 sorted into voting districts by the clerk and retained by the clerk separately until delivered to the registrars of voters for checking.

on the day of the election, primary or referendum for checking, or at a later time mutually agreed upon by the LCOclerk No.and registrars, provided such time is not later than eight o'clock p.m.

5623 35 of 46 clerk and registrars, provided such time is not later than eight o'clock p.m.

of such day which were not delivered earlier shall be deliveredtotheregistrarsatthecloseofthepollsfordeliveredtotheregistrarsatthecloseofthepollsforchecking.Although checking.Although absentee ballots shall be checked by the registrars of voters at various times throughout the election, primary or referendum day, absentee ballots may be counted at one single time during such day.

(B) Whenever absentee ballots are counted in any polling place pursuantsSB5 to/ subsectionFile (b)No. of section 9-147a, the names of applicants whose ballots were delivered at six o'clock p.m.

570 38 sSB5 File No.

570 pursuant to subsection (b) of section 9-147a, the names of applicants whose ballots were delivered 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 LCOchecklists No.used at the polling places and such official checklists, bearing the certifications required by section 9-307, shall be delivered by the registrars or assistant registrars to the central counting moderator for that purpose.

5623 36 of 46 checklists used at the polling places and such official checklists, bearing the certifications required by section 9-307, shall be delivered by the registrars or assistant registrars to the central counting moderator for that purpose.

(B) Whenever absentee ballots are counted in any polling place pursuant to subsection (b) of section 9-147a, and such counting is completed and the result for such polling place is announced, the moderator for such polling place shall deliver the official checklist used at such polling place and the return required by section 9-150b to the headsSB5 moderator./ File No.

570 39 sSB5 File No.

570 head moderator.

(k) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the LCOabsentee No.ballot counters shall count, in the manner provided in section 9-150a, each group of absentee ballots upon receipt from the registrars.

5623 37 of 46 absentee ballot counters shall count, in the manner provided in section 9-150a, each group of absentee ballots upon receipt from the registrars.

21.23.

(a)Any(a) Any elector who ispermanentlyis permanently physically disabled or issufferingsuffering from a long-term illness and who files an application for an absentee ballot with a certification from a primary care provider, indicating that suchsuchelectorispermanentlyphysicallydisabled electororsufferingfromalong- isterm permanentlyillness physically disabled and unable to appear in person at such elector's designated polling location, shall be eligible for permanent absentee ballot status and shall receive an absentee ballot for each election, primary or referendum conducted in such elector's municipality for which such elector isiseligible eligible to vote.

Such elector's permanentabsenteeballotstatusshallremainineffectuntilsuchelector:permanent absentee ballot status shall remain in effect until such elector:

(1) Is removed from the official registryregistrylistofthemunicipality,(2)isremovedfrompermanentabsentee listsSB5 of/ theFile municipality,No. (2) is removed from permanent absentee ballot status pursuant to the provisions of this section, or (3) requests that he or she no longer receive such permanent absentee ballot status.

570 40 sSB5 File No.

570 ballot status pursuant to the provisions of this section, or (3) requests that he or she no longer receive such permanent absentee ballot status.

If [(1)] such written notice is returned as undeliverable, [or (2) not later than thirty LCOdaysafter No.suchnotice issent to theelector,theelector failsto returnsuch notice to the registrars of voters, as directed on the form,] the elector in question shall be removed from permanent absentee ballot status.

5623 38 of 46 daysafter suchnotice issent to theelector,theelector failsto returnsuch notice to the registrars of voters, as directed on the form,] the elector in question shall be removed from permanent absentee ballot status.

22.24.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, if unaffiliated electors are authorized under section 9-431 to vote in the primary of either of two parties, all absentee ballots shall be separated,sSB5 counted,/ talliedFile andNo. placed in depository envelopes by voting district.

570 41 sSB5 File No.

570 separated, counted, tallied and placed in depository envelopes by voting district.

If unaffiliated electors are authorized under section 9-431 to vote in the primary of either of two parties, absentee LCOballots No.may be counted in the respective polling places if the parties agree that such absentee ballots should be so counted.

5623 39 of 46 ballots may be counted in the respective polling places if the parties agree that such absentee ballots should be so counted.

Sec.sSB5 / File No.

23.570 42 sSB5 File No.

570 Sec.

25.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 9-150a, [for the state election in 2020,] in any municipality in which absentee ballots are processed pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection [(c)](c) (b) of section 9-9-147a, 147a, as amended by this act:

LCO(a) No.(1) Not earlier than five o'clock p.m.

5623 40 of 46 (a) (1) Not earlier than five o'clock p.m.

(4) If the statement on the inner envelope has not been signed as required by section 9-140a, such inner envelope shall not be opened or the ballot removed therefrom at that time, and such inner envelopeshall be replaced in the opened outer envelope which shall be marked "Rejected"andthereasontherefor"Rejected" endorsedthereonby thecounters and returned to the registrarsreason oftherefor votersendorsed forthereon theby purposes of the dailycounters; notification described in section 24 of this act;

(b)sSB5 In/ accordanceFile with instructions [which shall be] prescribed by the Secretary of the State, [not later than ten days before the election,] each group of ballots delivered pursuant to subdivision [(2)] (1) of subsection (e) of section 9-140c, as amended by this act, shall be kept secure (1) throughout the performance of the duties under subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive,ofsubsection(a)ofthissection,and(2)aftersuchperformance LCO No.

5623570 4143 ofsSB5 46File untilNo. such time on the day of the election that absentee ballots are counted in the manner provided in subsections (e) to (m), inclusive, of section 9-150a.

570 (b) In accordance with instructions [which shall be] prescribed by the Secretary of the State, [not later than ten days before the election,] each group of ballots delivered pursuant to subdivision [(2)] (1) of subsection (e) of section 9-140c, as amended by this act, shall be kept secure (1) throughout the performance of the duties under subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive,ofsubsection(a)ofthissection,and(2)aftersuchperformance until such time on the day of the election that absentee ballots are counted in the manner provided in subsections (e) to (m), inclusive, of section 9-150a.

24.26.

(NEW) (Effective from passage) Immediately upon the return to the registrars of voters by the absentee ballot counters of any absentee ballot marked "Rejected" pursuant to subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of section 9-150e of the general statutes, as amended by this act, the registrars of voters shall notify the applicable town committee, if any, and the League of Women Voters for the purpose of advising any absentee ballot applicant that (1) such applicant's ballot has been rejected, and (2) such applicant may still vote in person on the day of the election, primary or referendum.

Sec.

25.

[(a)]Anyelectorwhohasreturnedanabsenteeballottothemunicipal clerk and who finds such elector is able to vote in person shall proceed before [ten o'clock a.m.]a.m. five o'clock p.m.

on] five o'clock p.m.

Upon delivery of the statement by the elector to the moderator, the moderator shall cause the absentee indication next to the name of the elector to be stricken from the official LCOchecklist No.andtheelector may thenhave suchelector'sname checked and vote in person.

5623Unless 42absentee ballots are to be counted in the respective polling places pursuant to subsection (b) of 46section checklist9-147a, andtheelectorthe maymunicipal thenhaveclerk suchelector'snameshall checkedalso andcause votethe inabsentee person.indication next to the sSB5 / File No.

Unless570 absentee44 ballotssSB5 areFile toNo. be counted in the respective polling places pursuant to subsection (b) of section 9-147a, the municipal clerk shall also cause the absentee indication next to the name of the elector to be stricken from the duplicate checklist to be used by the absentee ballot counters.

570 name of the elector to be stricken from the duplicate checklist to be used by the absentee ballot counters.

26.

Subsection (b) of section 9-159q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes to the contrary, if less than twenty of the patients in any institution in the state are electors, absentee ballots voted by such electors shall, upon request of either registrar of voters in the town of such electors' voting residence or the administrator of such institution, be voted under the supervision of such registrars of voters or their designees, which may include one or more members of the League of Women Voters, in accordance with the provisions of this section.

The registrars of voters of a town other than the town in which an institution is located may refuse a request by the administrator of such institution when, in their written opinion, the registrars agree that such request is unnecessary, in which case this section shall not apply.

Such registrars shall inform the administrator and the town clerk of the electors' town of voting residence of their refusal.

Sec.

(NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) Any municipality may provide a system, approved by the Secretary of the State, for the electronicreturnofanabsentee ballot by any elector describedinsection 9-153dofthegeneralstatutesor any personwithadisability that applies LCO No.

5623 43 of 46 for an absentee ballot pursuant to section 9-140 of the general statutes.

Any such elector or person using such system to electronically return an absentee ballot shall certify his or her agreement to the use of such system and any terms of such use.

(b) Any system described in subsection (a) of this section shall include, at a minimum, (1) independent security evaluation and post- election audits, (2) blockchain or web-based infrastructure, (3) the ability to spoil a ballot, in which case a subsequent ballot shall be issued and only the final ballot of such elector or person may be cast, and (4) automatic preparation of ballots that can be printed and inserted into any tabulator used at any election, primary or referendum.

Sec.

28.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, if a voter submits to the Secretary of the State a signed statement that nondisclosure of such voter's name from the official registry list is necessary for the safety of such voter or the voter's family, the name and address of such voter on his or her voter registration record shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed, except that an election, primary LCOorreferendumofficialmayviewsuchinformationontheofficialregistry No.list when such list is used by any such official at a polling place on the day of an election, primary or referendum.

5623sSB5 44/ ofFile 46No. orreferendumofficialmayviewsuchinformationontheofficialregistry list when such list is used by any such official at a polling place on the day of an election, primary or referendum.

Sec.570 45 sSB5 File No.

29.570 Sec.

28.

ThisSec. act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:

29.

Section 9-135 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):

(a) Any elector eligible to vote at a primary or an election and any person eligible to vote at a referendum may vote by absentee ballot if such elector or person is unable to appear at such elector's or person's polling place [during the hours of voting] on the day of such primary, election or referendum for any of the following reasons:

(1) Such elector's or person's active service with the armed forces of the United States;

(2) such elector's or person's absence from the town of [such elector's or person's voting residence during all of the hours of voting] which such elector or person is an inhabitant;

(3) [such elector's or person's illness] sickness;

(4) [such elector's or person's] physical disability;

(5) the tenets of such elector's or person's religion forbid secular activity;

[on the day of the primary, election or referendum;] or (6) the required performance of such elector's or person's duties as a primary, election or referendum official, including as a town clerk or registrar of voters or as staff of the clerk or registrar, at a polling place other than such elector's or person's own during all of the hours of sSB5 / File No.

570 46 sSB5 File No.

570 voting at such primary, election or referendum.

[;

or (7) for the state election in 2020, the sickness of COVID-19.

As used in this section, "COVID-19" means the respiratory disease designated by the World Health Organization on February 11, 2020, as coronavirus 2019, and any related mutation thereof recognized by said organization as a communicable respiratory disease.] (b) No person shall misrepresent the eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot prescribed in subsection (a) of this section, to any elector or prospective absentee ballot applicant.

Sec.

30.

Section 9-137 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):

[(a)] Each absentee ballot shall be returned to the municipal clerk, inserted in an inner envelope which shall be capable of being sealed and which shall have printed on its face a form containing the following statements:

"I hereby state under the penalties of false statement in absentee balloting that I ameligibleto vote at theprimary,electionorreferendum in the municipality in which this absentee ballot is to be cast and that I expect to be unable to appear at my polling place [during the hours of voting at] on the day of such primary, election or referendum for one or more of the following reasons:

(1) My active service in the armed forces;

(2) my absence from the town in which I am eligible to vote;

[during all of the hours of voting;

(3) my illness] (3) sickness or physical disability;

(4) the tenets of my religion which forbid secular activity;

[on the day of the primary, election or referendum;] or (5) my duties as a primary, election or referendum official.

Date ....

....

(Signature)" [(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, for the state election in 2020, each inner envelope in which an absentee ballot is returned to the municipal clerk shall have printed on its face a sSB5 / File No.

570 47 sSB5 File No.

570 form containing the following statements:

"I hereby state under the penalties of false statement in absentee balloting that I ameligibleto vote at theprimary,electionorreferendum in the municipality in which this absentee ballot is to be cast and that I expect to be unable to appear at my polling place during the hours of voting at such primary, election or referendum for one or more of the following reasons:

(1) My active service in the armed forces;

(2) my absence from the town in which I am eligible to vote during all of the hours of voting;

(3) my illness or physical disability;

(4) the tenets of my religion which forbid secular activity on the day of the primary, election or referendum;

(5) my duties as a primary, election or referendum official;

or (6) the sickness of COVID-19.

Date ....

....

(Signature)"] Sec.

31.

Section 9-453e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

Each circulator of a nominating petition page shall be a United States citizen [,] and at least eighteen years of age, [and a resident of a town in this state] and shall not be on parole for conviction of a felony.

Any individual proposed as a candidate in any nominating petition may serve as circulator of the pages of such nominating petition.

Sec.

32.

Section 9-453j of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

Each page of a nominating petition submitted to the town clerk or the Secretary of the State and filed with the Secretary of the State under the provisions of sections 9-453a to 9-453s, inclusive, or section 9-216 shall contain a statement as to the residency [in this state] and eligibility of the circulator and as tothe authenticity of the signatures thereon, signed under [penalties] penalty of false statement, by the person who circulated the same.

Such statement shall set forth (1) [such] the circulator'sresidence address,including thetown [inthis state]inwhich sSB5 / File No.

570 48 sSB5 File No.

570 [such] the circulator is a resident, (2) if the circulator is not a resident in this state, that the circulator agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of the stateinanycaseorcontroversyarisingoutoforrelatedtothecirculation of a petition pursuant to this subpart, (3) the circulator's date of birth and that the circulator is at least eighteen years of age, [(3)] (4) that the circulator is a United States citizen and not on parole for conviction of a felony, and [(4)] (5) that each person whose name appears on such page signed the same in person in the presence of [such] the circulator and that either the circulator knows each such signer or that the signer satisfactorily identified himself or herself to the circulator.

Any false statement committed with respect to such statement shall be deemed to have been committed in the town in which the petition was circulated.

Sec.

33.

Subsection (a) of section 9-453k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) The town clerk or Secretary of the State shall not accept any page of a nominating petition unless the circulator thereof has signed before [him] the clerk, the Secretary or an appropriate person as provided in section 1-29, the statement as to the residency [in this state] and eligibility of the circulator and as to the authenticity of the signatures thereon required by section 9-453j, as amended by this act.

Sec.

34.

Subsection (a) of section 9-453o of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) The Secretary of the State may not count for purposes of determining compliance with the number of signatures required by section 9-453d the signatures certified by the town clerk on any petition page filed under sections 9-453a to 9-453s, inclusive, or 9-216 if:

(1) The name of the candidate, [his] the candidate's address or the party designation, if any, hasbeen omittedfromtheface of the petition;

(2)the page does not contain a statement by the circulator as to the residency [in this state] and eligibility of the circulator and as to the authenticity of the signatures thereon as required by section 9-453j, as amended by sSB5 / File No.

570 49 sSB5 File No.

570 this act, or upon which such statement of the circulator is incomplete in any respect;

or (3) the page does not contain the certifications required by sections 9-453a to 9-453s, inclusive, by the town clerk of the town in which the signers reside.

The town clerk shall cure any omission on his or her part by signing any such page at the office of the Secretary of the State and making the necessary amendment or by filing a separate statement in this regard, which amendment shall be dated.

Sec.

35.

Subsection (d) of section 9-404b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(d) [Each] Any person qualified to vote under the laws of any state or territory of the United States may be a circulator of a primary petition page [shall be] if such person (1) is an enrolled party member of a municipality in this state, [.

Each] or (2) agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of this state in any case or controversy arising out of or related to the circulation of a primary petition.

For any circulator described in subdivision (1) of this subsection, each petition page shall contain a statement signed by the registrar of voters of the municipality in which the circulator is an enrolled party member attesting that the circulator is an enrolled party member in the municipality.

For any circulator described in subdivision (2) of this subsection, each petition page shall contain a statement signed by such circulator that he or she agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of this state in any case or controversy arising out of or related to the circulation of a primary petition, which signed statement shall be attested to by the registrar of voters of the municipality in which such page was circulated.

Unless such a statement by the registrar [of voters] appears on each page so submitted, the Secretary shall reject the page.

Each separate page of the petition shall contain a statement as to the authenticity of the signatures on the page and the number of such signatures, and shall be signed under the [penalties] penalty of false statement by the person who circulated the page, setting forth the circulator's address and the town in which the circulator is an enrolled party member and attesting that each person whose name appears on the page signed the petition in sSB5 / File No.

570 50 sSB5 File No.

570 person in the presence of the circulator, that the circulator either knows each such signer or that the signer satisfactorily identified himself or herself to the circulator and that the spaces for candidates supported, offices sought and the political party involved were filled in prior to the obtaining of the signatures.

Each separate page of the petition shall also be acknowledged before an appropriate person as provided in section 1-29.

The Secretary shall reject any page of a petition filed with the Secretary which does not contain such a statement by the circulator as to the authenticity of the signatures on the page, or upon which the statement of the circulator is incomplete in any respect, or which does not contain the certification required under this section by the registrar of the town in which the circulator is an enrolled party member.

Any individual proposed as a candidate in any primary petition may serve as a circulator of the pages of the petition, provided the individual's service as circulator does not violate any provision of this section.

Sec.

36.

Subsection (c) of section 9-410 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(c) [Each] Any person qualified to vote under the laws of any state or territory of the United States may be a circulator of a primary petition page [shall be] if such person (1) is an enrolled party member of a municipality in this state, [who is entitled to vote.

Each] or (2) agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of this state in any case or controversy arising out of or related to the circulation of a primary petition.

For any circulator described in subdivision (1) of this subsection, each petition page shall contain a statement signed by the registrar of voters of the municipality in which such circulator is an enrolled party member attesting that the circulator is an enrolled party member in such municipality.

For any circulator described in subdivision (2) of this subsection, each petition page shall contain a statement signed by such circulator that he or she agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of this state in any case or controversy arising out of or related to the circulation of a primary petition, which signed statement shall be attested to by the registrar of voters of the municipality in which such page was sSB5 / File No.

570 51 sSB5 File No.

570 circulated.

Unless such a statement by the registrar appears on each page so submitted, the registrar shall reject such page.

No candidate for the nomination of a party for a municipal office or the position of town committee member shall circulate any petition for another candidate or another group of candidates contained in one primary petition for the nomination of such party for the same office or position, and any petition page circulated in violation of this provision shall be rejected by the registrar.

No person shall circulate petitions for more than the maximum number of candidates to be nominated by a party for the same office or position, and any petition page circulated in violation of this provision shall be rejected by the registrar.

Each separate sheet of such petition shall contain a statement as to the authenticity of the signatures thereon and the number of such signatures, and shall be signed under the penalties of false statement by the person who circulated the same, setting forth such circulator's address and the town in which such circulator is an enrolled party member and attesting that each person whose name appears on such sheet signed the same in personinthepresenceofsuchcirculator,thatthecirculatoreitherknows each such signer or that the signer satisfactorily identified the signer to the circulator and that the spaces for candidates supported, offices or positions sought and the political party involved were filled in prior to theobtaining ofthesignatures.Eachseparate sheet ofsuchpetitionshall also be acknowledged before an appropriate person as provided in section 1-29.

Any sheet of a petition filed with the registrar which does not contain such a statement by the circulator as to the authenticity of the signatures thereon, or upon which the statement of the circulator is incomplete in any respect, or which does not contain the certification hereinbefore required by the registrar of the town in which the circulator is an enrolled party member, shall be rejected by the registrar.

Any individual proposed as a candidate in any primary petition may serve as a circulator of the pages of such petition, provided such individual's service as circulator does not violate any provision of this section.

Sec.

37.

Section 9-450 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

sSB5 / File No.

570 52 sSB5 File No.

570 (a) Nominations by major parties for any state, district or municipal office to be filled under the provisions of any law relating to elections to fill vacancies, unless otherwise provided therein, shall be made in accordance with the provisions of sections 9-382 to 9-450, inclusive, as amended by this act.

(b)(1)[(A)]In thecase ofnominationsfor representativesinCongress and judges of probate in probate districts composed of two or more towns, provided for in sections 9-212, as amended by this act, and 9-218, as amended by this act, the delegates to the convention for the last state election shall be the delegates for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill such vacancy.

If a vacancy occurs in the delegation from any town, political subdivision or district, such vacancy may be filled by the town committee of the town in which the delegate resided.

Endorsements by political party conventions pursuant to this subsection may be made and certified at any time after the resignation or death creating such vacancy and not later than the fiftieth day before the day of the election.

No such endorsement shall be effective until the presiding officer or secretary of any district convention has certified the endorsement to the Secretary of the State.

[(B)] (2) If such a vacancy occurs between the one hundred twenty- fifth day and the sixty-third day before the day of a regular state or municipal election in November of any year, no primary shall be held for the nomination of any political party and the party-endorsed candidate so selected shall be deemed, for the purposes of this chapter, the person certified by the Secretary of the State pursuant to section 9- 444 as the nominee of such party.

[(C)] (3) Except as provided in [subparagraph (B) of this] subdivision (2) of this subsection, if a candidacy for nomination is filed by or on behalf of any person other than a party-endorsed candidate not later than [fourteen days] the day after the party endorsement and in conformity with the provisions of section 9-400, as amended by this act, a primary shall be held in each municipality of the district and each part of a municipality which is a component part of the district, to determine sSB5 / File No.

570 53 sSB5 File No.

570 the nominee of such party for such office, except as provided in section 9-416a.

Such primary shall be held on the day that the writs of election issued by the Governor, pursuant to section 9-212, as amended by this act, ordered the election to be held, and new writs of election shall be issued by the Governor in accordance with section 9-212, as amended by this act.

[(D)] (4) Unless the provisions of [subparagraph (B) of this] subdivision (2) of this subsection apply, petition forms for candidacies for nomination by a political party pursuant to this subdivision shall be available from the Secretary of the State beginning on the day following the issuance of writs of election by the Governor pursuant to section 9- 212, as amended by this act, except when a primary has already been held, and the provisions of section 9-404a shall otherwise apply to such petitions.

[(E)] (5) The registry lists used pursuant to this subsection shall be the last-completed lists, as provided in sections 9-172a and 9-172b.

[(2)] (c) In the case of judges of probate in probate districts composed of a single town, the day named for the election shall be not earlier than the one hundred fifteenth day following the day on which the writ of election is issued, and the times specified in sections 9-391, 9-405 and 9- 423 shall be applicable.

[(3) (A)] (d) (1) In the case of nominations for senators in Congress provided for in section 9-211, as amended by this act, the delegates to the convention for the last state election shall be the delegates for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill such vacancy.

If a vacancy occurs in the delegation from any town or political subdivision, such vacancy may be filled by the town committee of the town in which the delegate resided.

Endorsements by political party conventions pursuant to this subsection may be made and certified at any time after the resignation or death creating such vacancy and not later than the fifty-sixth day before the day of the primary.

No such endorsement shall be effective until the presiding officer or secretary of any state convention has certified the endorsement to the Secretary of the State.

sSB5 / File No.

570 54 sSB5 File No.

570 [(B)] (2) If such a vacancy occurs between the one hundred twenty- fifth day and the sixty-third day before the day of a regular state or municipal election in November of any year, no primary shall be held for the nomination of any political party and the party-endorsed candidate so selected shall be deemed, for the purposes of this chapter, the person certified by the Secretary of the State, pursuant to section 9- 444, as the nominee of such party.

In such an event, endorsements by political party conventions shall be made not later than sixty days prior to the election.

[(C)] (3) Except as provided in [subparagraph (B) of this] subdivision (2) of this subsection, if a candidacy for nomination is filed by or on behalf of any person other than a party-endorsed candidate not later than [fourteen days] the day after the party endorsement and in conformity with the provisions of section 9-400, as amended by this act, a primary shall be held on the fifty-sixth day prior to the day of the election in each municipality to determine thenominee of such party for such office, except as provided in section 9-416a.

[(D)] (4) Unless the provisions of [subparagraph (B) of this] subdivision (2) of this subsection apply, petition forms for candidacies for nomination by a political party pursuant to this subdivision shall be available from the Secretary of the State beginning on the day following the issuance of writs of election by the Governor, pursuant to section 9- 211, as amended by this act, except when a primary has already been held and the provisions of section 9-404a shall otherwise apply to such petitions.

[(E)] (5) The registry lists used pursuant to this subsection shall be the last-completed lists, as provided in sections 9-172a and 9-172b.

[(4)] (e) The times specified in sections 9-391, 9-405 and 9-423 shall be applicable to any special town election held to fill a vacancy in any town office under subsection (b) of section 9-164.

Except as provided under subsection (c) of section 9-164, any election held to fill a vacancy in any municipal office under the provisions of any special act shall be held not earlier than the one hundred twenty-seventh day following the day sSB5 / File No.

570 55 sSB5 File No.

570 upon which warning of such election is issued, and the times specified in sections 9-391, 9-405 and 9-423 shall be applicable.

Sec.

38.

Subsection (a) of section 9-212 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) In case of a vacancy in the office of representative in Congress from any district, the Governor, except as otherwise provided by law, shall not more than ten days after the occurrence of such vacancy issue writs of election directed to the town clerks or assistant town clerks, in such district, ordering an election to be held on the sixtieth day after the issueofsuch writsona day,otherthanaSaturday or Sunday,to fillsuch vacancy, provided(1)ifsuchavacancy occurs betweentheonehundred twenty-fifth day and the sixty-third day before the day of a regular state or municipal election in November of any year, the Governor shall so issue such writs on the sixtieth day before the day of such regular election, ordering an election to be held on the day of such regular election, (2) if such a vacancy occurs after the sixty-third day before the day of a regular state election but before the regular state election, the Governor shall not issue such writs and no election shall be held under thissection,unlessthepositionvacatedisthatofmember-elect,inwhich case the Governor shall issue such writs and an election shall be held as provided in this section, and (3) if a primary for such office occurs pursuant to [subparagraph (C) of subdivision (1)] subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of section 9-450, as amended by this act, the Governor shall, within ten days following the filing of a candidacy for nomination by a person other than the party-endorsed candidate, issue new writs of election, in place of those first issued pursuant to this section.

Sec.

39.

Subsection (a) of section 9-320f of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) Not earlier than thefifteenth day after anyelection or primary and not later than two business days before the canvass of votes by the Secretary of the State, Treasurer and Comptroller, for any federal or sSB5 / File No.

570 56 sSB5 File No.

570 state electionor primary, or by thetown clerkfor any municipal election or primary, the registrars of voters shall conduct a manual audit or, for an election or primary held on or after January 1, 2016, an electronic audit authorized under section 9-320g of the votes recorded in not less than five per cent of the voting districts in the state, district or municipality, whichever is applicable.

For the purposes of this section, any central location used in a municipality for the counting of absentee ballotsshallbedeemedavotingdistrict.Suchmanualorelectronicaudit shall be noticed in advance and be open to public observation.

Any election official who participates in the 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.

Sec.

40.

Section 9-159q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Institution" means a veterans' health care facility, residential care home,healthcarefacilityforthehandicapped,nursinghome,resthome, mental health facility, alcohol or drug treatment facility, an infirmary operatedbyaneducationalinstitutionforthecareofitsstudents,faculty and employees or an assisted living facility;

and (2) "Designee" means an elector of the same town and political party as the appointing registrar of voters, which elector is not an employee of the institution at which supervised voting is conducted.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, [to the contrary,]ifless thantwenty ofthepatientsinany institutioninthe state are electors, absentee ballots voted by such electors shall, upon request of either registrar of voters in the town of such electors' voting residence or the administrator of such institution, be voted under the supervision of such registrars of voters or their designees in accordance with the provisions of this section.

The registrars of voters of a town other than the town in which an institution is located may refuse a request by the sSB5 / File No.

570 57 sSB5 File No.

570 administrator of such institution when, in their written opinion, the registrars agree that such request is unnecessary, in which case this section shall not apply.

Such registrars shall inform the administrator and the town clerk of the electors' town of voting residence of their refusal.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, such request shall be made in writing and filed with the town clerk and registrars of voters of the town of such electors' voting residence, not more than forty-five days prior to an election or thirty-four days prior to a primary and not later than the seventh day prior to an election or primary.

The request shall specify the name and location of the institution and the date and time when the registrars of voters or their designees shall supervise the casting of absentee ballots at the institution.

The request shall also specify one or more alternate dates and times when supervised voting may occur.

No request shall specify a date or an alternate date for supervised voting which is later than the last business day before the election or primary.

(d) The town clerk shall not mail or otherwise deliver an absentee ballot to an applicant who is a patient in any institution if a request for supervision of absentee balloting at that institution has been filed with the clerk during the period set forth in subsection (c) of this section.

The clerk shallinstead deliver suchballot or ballotsto theregistrarsofvoters or their designees who will supervise the voting of such ballots in accordance with this section.

(e) Except in the case of a written refusal as provided in subsection (b) of this section, upon receipt of a request for supervision of absentee balloting during the period set forth in subsection (c) of this section, the registrar or registrars of voters who received the request shall inform the registrar or administrator who made the request and the town clerk as to the date and time when such supervision shall occur, which shall be the date and time contained in the request or the alternate date and time contained in the request.

If the registrar or registrars fail to select either date, the supervision shall take place on the date and time sSB5 / File No.

570 58 sSB5 File No.

570 contained in the request.

If a request for supervision of absentee balloting at an institution is filed during the period set forth in subsection (c) of this section and the town clerk receives an application for an absentee ballot from a patient in the institution after the date when supervised balloting occurred, either registrar of voters may request, inwriting,totheappropriatetownclerk andregistrarsofvoters that the supervision of the voting of absentee ballots at such institution in accordance with this section be repeated, and in such case the registrars or their designees shall supervise absentee balloting at such institution on the date and at the time specified in the subsequent request, which shall be not later than the last business day before the election or primary.

(f) On the date when the supervision of absentee balloting at any institution is to occur, the town clerk shall deliver to the registrars or theirdesigneestheabsenteeballotsandenvelopesforallapplicantswho are electors of such clerk's town and patients at such institution.

The ballot and envelopes shall be prepared for delivery to the applicant as provided in sections 9-137 to 9-140a, inclusive.

The registrars or their designees shall furnish the town clerk a written receipt for such ballots.

(g) The registrars or their designees, as the case may be, shall jointly deliver theballotstotherespective applicantsat theinstitutionandshall jointly supervise the voting of such ballots.

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, 9-139 and 9-140a.

If any elector asks for assistance in voting his ballot, two registrars or their designees of different political parties or, for a primary, their designees of different candidates, shall render such assistance as they deem necessary and appropriate to enable such elector to vote his ballot.

The registrars or their designees may reject a ballot when (1) the elector declines to vote a ballot, or (2) the registrars or their designees are unable to determine how the elector who has requested their assistance desires to vote the ballot.

When the registrars or their designees reject a ballot, they shall mark the serially-numbered outer envelope "rejected" and note the reasons for rejection.

Nothing in sSB5 / File No.

570 59 sSB5 File No.

570 this section shall limit the right of an elector to vote his ballot in secret.

(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 delivered in accordance with section 9-140c.

(i) When an institution is located in a town having a primary, the registrar in that town of the party holding the primary shall appoint for each such institution, one designee of the party-endorsed candidates and one designee of the contestants from the lists, if any, submitted by the party-endorsed candidates and contestants.

Such registrar shall notify all party-endorsed candidates and all contestants of their right to submit a list of potential designees under this section.

Each party- endorsed candidate and each contestant may submit to such registrar in writing a list of names of potential designees, provided any such list shall be submitted not later than ten days before the primary.

If no such lists are submitted within said period, such registrar shall appoint one designee of the party-endorsed candidates and one designee of the contestants.

Each designee appointed pursuant to this section shall be sworn to the faithful performance of his duties, and the registrar shall file a certificate of each designation with his town clerk.

(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 the duties required of him by this section so as to cause any elector to lose hisvote shallbeguilty ofa classA misdemeanor.Any registrar from the same town as a registrar who has filed such a request may waive his right to participate in the supervision of absentee balloting.

(k) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, [to the contrary,] 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 sSB5 / File No.

570 60 sSB5 File No.