Groups Representing Thousands of CT Voters Support Absentee Ballot Question
Events include The Connecticut Project Action Fund launching billboard campaign and community actions across the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2024
CONTACT:
Meghan Holden, The Connecticut Project Action Fund, meghanholden@ctproject.org
B. Rae Perryman, ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC, 860-992-7645
Callie Gale Heilmann, Bridgeport Generation Now, 203-258-4965
Helen Humphreys, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, 860-202-3731
Julianna Larue, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Julianna@ctlcv.org
Patricia Rossi, League of Women Voters of Connecticut, 732-754-9301
BRIDGEPORT, HARTFORD, NEW BRITAIN, WATERBURY, WEST HARTFORD – A coalition of democracy, civil rights, environmental, civil liberties, and economic opportunity organizations, representing thousands of voters across Connecticut, today held a day of action throughout the state to encourage voters to support the absentee voting question on this fall’s ballot.
Voters are gathering in Hartford for a video speakout and postcard writing hosted by the League of Women Voters of Connecticut, a panel discussion in Waterbury hosted by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, ice cream scooping in West Hartford hosted by the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC, text message banking in Bridgeport hosted by Bridgeport Generation Now, and phone banking in New Britain hosted by The Connecticut Project Action Fund. This week, The Connecticut Project Action Fund also launched a billboard advertising campaign across the state, encouraging voters to support the absentee voting question.
The actions mark the beginning of the group’s ongoing effort to pass the absentee voting ballot question. Leading up to Election Day, members will also host canvassing, phone banking, postcard writing, a Civics 101 weekend, and other educational events.
“Voting is easy for many Connecticut voters, but not for everyone, especially people who are disabled, elderly, and working. Working people, especially working parents, have busy and sometimes unpredictable schedules, and we need a voting system that meets the reality of voters’ lives. Absentee voting is one way for all voters to have more power, and we strongly urge every eligible voter to vote ‘yes’ for absentee voting this fall,” said Coralys Santana, policy and advocacy strategist for The Connecticut Project Action Fund.
“We are excited to gather with our community partners and Ben & Jerry's to help churn out the vote. Rising up for voting rights requires that everyone be excited about the issues and we can't think of a better way to do that than having some ice cream,” said Chelsea-Infinity Gonzalez, Policy Director of the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC.
“The 2024 presidential election is less than 60 days away," said Gemeem Davis, Co-Director of Bridgeport Generation Now. "Now, more than ever, our votes are about our freedoms. From protecting reproductive rights to protecting democracy, Bridgeport voters play an important role in shaping the future of our state and our country."
“Voting is our civic duty, and it is also our duty to make sure every eligible Connecticut resident has reasonable access to their ballot,” said Tom Swan, Executive Director of Connecticut Citizen Action Group. “Voting must be accessible for folks who work full time jobs and have families who depend on them. Some folks can’t take time off on a single Tuesday in November. This amendment would help address that problem and make voting more convenient for the average American.”
“Climate change continues to threaten our ability to participate in democracy. From poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke to infrastructure damage from flooding, these challenges make it harder to reliably reach polling places. Supporting the absentee voting referendum this November ensures everyone can access the ballot, no matter the environmental circumstances,” said Julianna Larue, Climate Policy and Outreach Coordinator of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.
“The League of Women Voters of Connecticut believes absentee ballots should be available to all eligible voters. Greater voter participation in elections strengthens our democracy and encourages responsible citizenship. Under current restrictions, lots of CT voters do not qualify for an absentee ballot but whose health, job, or caretaking responsibilities prevent them from going in person to a polling location. We are all in this together. Let’s make sure every eligible voter can make their voice heard,” said Patricia Rossi, President of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut.
“Voting is easy for many people in our state, but not for everyone, something that Black Connecticut voters unfortunately know and have experienced far too often and for far too long. A 'yes' vote for absentee voting is a vote for civil rights and racial justice. Our vote is our voice, and we intend to use it,” said Corrie Betts, President of the NAACP Hartford branch.
Coalition members include: The ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC, Bridgeport Generation Now, Common Cause of Connecticut, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, The Connecticut Project Action Fund, League of Women Voters of Connecticut, NAACP of Connecticut, SEIU - State Council, and Shoreline Indivisible.
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Paid for by Yes for Safe and Accessible Democracy. Melvin Medina, Treasurer.
