CT HB05461

Repeals and replaces Section 9-324 of Connecticut general statutes, effective October 1, 2021, to grant Superior Court judges jurisdiction over election disputes for state senator and state representative offices.

Allows electors or candidates to bring complaints to Superior Court judges regarding election official rulings, vote count errors, or violations of absentee ballot or campaign finance laws for state legislative elections.

Requires complainants to notify the State Elections Enforcement Commission by first-class mail or hand delivery of complaints, with expedited judicial proceedings for pre-election complaints and 14-day filing deadlines for post-election complaints.

Grants judges authority to order vote recounts, unlock voting tabulators, and open ballot boxes upon sufficient cause, with final findings certified to the Secretary of State by December 15th and appealable only under Section 9-325.

Authorizes judges to order new elections or modify election schedules based on findings of official errors, vote count mistakes, or legal violations.