CT HB05434

Expands minor party ballot access by allowing candidates anywhere in Connecticut to use a minor party's designation on nominating petitions if that party received at least 1% of votes for any statewide office in the last election

Currently, minor party status only applies to the specific office where the 1% threshold was met; this change extends that recognition statewide for nominating petition purposes

Amends the definition of "minor party" in Section 9-372 to add a new subparagraph specifically addressing nominating petition eligibility based on statewide office performance

Clarifies that party enrollment provisions apply within the geographical jurisdiction of offices to which minor party status pertains under the amended definitions

Effective date: January 1, 2027