Connecticut Raised Bill No. 485 - Summary

• Requires supervised absentee voting at public housing complexes when 30 or more residents apply, using registrars of voters or their designees including possible League of Women Voters members.

• Makes it a class D felony for any state or municipal employee who is not an authorized designee to possess or handle an absentee ballot or ballot envelope.

• Restricts absentee ballot application distribution to four applications per person (down from five) and requires registration with town clerk before distribution; restricts who may possess applications and subjects violators to civil penalties.

• Provides standing for electors to challenge election results based on absentee voting law violations and permits Superior Court judges to order new primaries if substantial violations cast doubt on primary results.

• Requires Secretary of the State to identify computer software/applications to assist town clerks with absentee ballot tracking by January 1, 2021, and develop an absentee voting law and procedures training program for town clerks.