HARTFORD, CT (May 31, 2023) —The Make it Count Coalition, a group of voting advocates comprised of the AARP, ACLU, Bridgeport GenerationNow Votes, Common Cause of CT, CT Citizens Action Group, CT League of Conservation Voters, CT Shoreline Indivisible, SEIU State Council, The Connecticut Project Action Fund, and League of Women Voters, released the following statement regarding the passage of the HB 5004, An Act Implementing Early Voting, by the Connecticut Senate:

"In passing legislation on the implementation of early voting, the State Senate joins the State House in taking a crucial step towards strengthening Connecticut’s access to the ballot box. We are thrilled that H.B. 5004 received bipartisan support and extend our sincerest gratitude to all of the senators who supported the bill and to the leadership of Senate ProTemp Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and the Co-Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, Senator Mae Flexer.
However, while we celebrate we must not overlook the importance of fully funding this initiative to ensure its successful implementation - analysis shows that over $8 million is needed to pay for adequate staff, materials, and education. Early voting empowers residents, enhances accessibility, and encourages participation in our electoral process. Our democracy thrives when every voice is heard. We call on Governor Lamont and state lawmakers to guarantee the promise of early voting with the Senate putting $8 million behind this initiative before the end of this legislative session.”